Jared Anderson will face the most important test of his career so far when he takes on Martin Bacall in Los Angeles on August 3rd.
Anderson has been steadily improving and is seen by many as the next big heavyweight star to emerge from America.
But he faces a tough test in Bakole, a hard-hitting puncher who dominated Carlos Takam to solidify his status as one of the top contenders in the division.
For a more accessible video player, use Chrome browser
Check out Martin Bakole's incredible third round stoppage of Igor Shebazudsky from a different angle that wasn't seen on fight day.
But for Anderson's promoter, Bob Arum, it's a calculated gamble.
“Jared is up for the challenge and I think he'll do well, but Bacall is a very tough fighter,” the Top Rank chief said. Sky Sports. “[He has a] He's a great puncher, but we're confident Jared can beat him and we believe Jared has what it takes to make it to the heavyweight division.
“I think he's a future champion, Tyson. [Fury] He's said that before. They've been sparring together. I think Jared is a very, very good fighter. He's a real pro now. This is his biggest test ever and I think he'll handle it. But we'll see how it goes.
“I think he has a good chance of winning,” he added. “That's the history of boxing. Fighters beat different guys as they grow up. Some guys are not very good, some guys are good. Some fights are step-up fights. And then you fight someone who can really step up. If he wins, it makes for a really special fight. And that's the fight he's fighting on August 3.”
Bacall's promoter, Ben Shalom, believes his fighter has finally hit his breakthrough moment.
For a more accessible video player, use Chrome browser
Jared Anderson remained undefeated with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Riyad Merhi.
“This is the opportunity Martin needed,” Shalom said. Sky Sports. “[Bakole] He's the last fighter you want to face, and it's only fair that he's earned that spot. He deserves a lot of credit.
“[Bakole] “Martin is that good, so no one wants to fight him. This is a great fight. This is a great opportunity. It's a 50-50 fight. To fight Jared Anderson, I'm going to have to have a really great camp, work my butt off and be really in shape. But I have to say this is a great opportunity. A great opportunity to make a name for myself that matches the talent that we all know Martin has.”
While Anderson is looking to prove himself, Shalom emphasizes how confident Bakole is.
“This is a tough test [Anderson]”A win over Martin Bacall should put him as one of the hottest prospects in the heavyweight division,” said promoter BOXXER. “Martin will think Christmas has come early with this fight. We'll see how it goes.”
Shalom also believes a win could pave the way for him to win a world title.
“With all the fights going on at heavyweight right now, this would be a real breakthrough for Martin,” Shalom said.
“Once he gets through this, it's going to be hard to avoid.”
