Bob Arum still believes in Jared Anderson. Despite the undefeated, highly talented and exciting young heavyweight's recent legal troubles, Anderson was arrested in March when “The Real Big Baby” was accused of speeding in his car. , was charged with a third-degree felony by the Hall of Fame promoter, even though he was in police custody. He remains convinced that the 24-year-old will be “the next great heavyweight.”
Arum said in an interview with Box Nation that 2026 would be the year he expects Anderson to move on.
“He's a young kid, a good-looking kid, but the things he did, like racing cars, were wrong. A lot of kids do that,” Arum said April 13 in Corpus Christi. He talked about Anderson, who will be returning to action against Riyadh Mahi at . “But it wasn't like he was hitting people in bars or stealing things. He was acting like any 23-, 24-year-old kid and doing stupid things. So now… Thank God he lost his driver's license so he can't drive a car. He's a really good kid, a really fun kid with bismiles. He's a great guy in this Belgian with a great resume. fighter, taking a bis test with Mahy. Considering the rest of this year and next year, I think by 2026 Jared will be fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship and becoming the next great heavyweight champion. I believe.”
Toledo's Anderson, currently 16-0 (15), hasn't boxed since August, but he may certainly face his biggest test yet against Mahy, who is 32-2 (26). Mahi has a wealth of experience and is the WBA cruiserweight champion. Anderson has looked sensational in some games, but critics have noted that his defense is leaky. Perhaps Marley could take advantage of this?
But Arum knows it when he sees a young fighter and likes it, and if Anderson isn't the best young heavyweight prospect in existence today, who is? Perhaps Moses Itauma, or can I name another guy? But Anderson is certainly exciting and a puncher. As Arum says, no one knows if Anderson has true greatness within him.
We may learn more about Anderson on April 13th. If he continues on his way to the top, Anderson will likely take over the division after Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua all leave. perhaps.
