Promoter Bob Arum feels assured that younger heavyweight Jared Anderson will proceed to enhance beneath his steering and can be capable of seize a world title in 2026.
Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) fights this Saturday, April thirteenth, on ESPN towards Ryad Merhy (32-2, 26 KOs) in a 10-round battle on the American Financial institution Heart in Corpus Christi.
That is one other take a look at for the 24-year-old Anderson in dealing with the skilled Merhy in a battle that can inform whether or not he’s able to step up. Arum says subsequent yr, he’d wish to match Anderson towards all these heavyweights:
– Deontay Wilder– Joseph Parker– Joe Joyce– Zhilei Zhang
Taking up Merhy: The First Take a look at
“He’s actually in good condition, and if Jared is in good condition, there’s only a few heavyweights of any round that may beat him,” stated promoter Bob Arum to Struggle Hub TV about Jared Anderson, who fights this Saturday night time towards little identified Ryad Merhy.
It’s exhausting to say for certain if there are any heavyweights that may beat Anderson as a result of he hasn’t confronted any top-tier heavyweights. He got here near being knocked out by the ex-IBF champion Charles Martin, which wasn’t a superb signal.
“He’s combating a really robust man, a Belgian man with a whole lot of expertise,” stated Arum about Anderson. “It’s the appropriate battle for Jared at this level in his profession. If he’s profitable, we hope to have him battle once more in a short time in the summertime in Toledo after which most likely once more within the fall or the winter.”
Merhy beat 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in his final battle. In his battle earlier than that, he misplaced to Kevin Lerena. If he hasn’t improved because the Lerena battle, he’s going to be in bother towards Anderson.
The Highway to Heavyweight Title
“We’re going to maneuver him beginning now comparatively rapidly. My purpose is is he continues on, he’ll be preparing for 2026 combating for a world title,” stated Arum. “I actually imagine that Jared has all of the substances to be a champion.”
It sounds good with what Arum is saying, however we don’t know if Anderson can keep out of bother outdoors of the ring. He’s been arrested a few instances, and he looks like a ticking time bomb able to go off. I might hate to see Anderson find yourself as one other Ike Ibeabutchi and do jail time for no matter motive.
“However once more, it’s going to be an extended highway, and he’s going to be examined,” stated Arum. “We’ve at all times had excessive hopes for him. He’s very charming, clever, and really articulate. So, I discuss with him as typically as I can, whether or not it’s preparing for his battle or coming as a spectator that we do.”
2024: The Huge Leagues
“We’re all conscious of the state of affairs, and hopefully, he’ll begin maturing sufficient to grasp what an awesome alternative that is for him economically and proceed on the trail that he’s been on, which I imagine will result in a world championship within the heavyweight division,” stated Arum.
It’s vital that Arum maintain Anderson as busy as doable to maintain him within the fitness center and out of bother. He appears to have issues when he’s not combating and has time on his palms.
“That’ll be subsequent yr. These varieties of names [Joseph Parker, Joe Joyce, Zhilei Zhang, and Deontay Wilder], he shall be dealing with subsequent yr,” stated Arum about Anderson.
