Undefeated Toledo heavyweight sensation Jared Anderson is hoping for another win by knockout. He steps into the ring with a tougher challenge this time around, taking on Riyad Merhi of Belgium in a showdown on Saturday, April 13th, in a 10-round headline event at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Fight from glove to glove.
- Date and time: Saturday, April 13th
- Start time: 10pm ET / 7pm PT
- Streaming: Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+
- Venue: American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Ticket sales: Ticketmaster.com
In the 2016 Olympian match-up, Nigerian slugger Efe Ajagba and Italian boxing gem Guido Vianello will go down in a heavyweight co-main event that promises fireworks.
As the televised bout begins, Robson Conceição is determined to keep his dream of winning the junior lightweight title alive as he takes on three-time world title challenger Jose Guardado, who is looking for an upset. .
The triple threat of Anderson vs. Mahy, Ajagba vs. Vianello, and Conceição vs. Guardado will be streamed live courtesy of ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+, and you won't want to miss a beat of the game starting at 10 PM ET. .
Courtesy of Top Rank, tickets to this boxing smash will go on pre-sale through Ticketmaster starting Tuesday, March 5th at 10am CST.
Bob Arum, Top Rank's big boss, couldn't contain his excitement. “Jared Anderson has been tearing up the heavyweight scene and now he faces his biggest test. Corpus Christi is about to witness the rise of a future heavyweight champion. Efe Ajagba is another He throws an unparalleled punch, but Guido Vianello doesn't back down. This lineup is waiting for a knockout.”
Boasting a perfect record of 16 wins, 0 losses, and 15 KOs, Anderson has a stellar record in 2023, overwhelming opponents left and right. His highlights included a quick takedown of George Arias and victory over Charles Martin, capping off with a stoppage victory over Andriy Rudenko.
The Andersons are fired up for 2024 and ready to entertain fans in Corpus Christi and viewers at home. “Merhi is tough, but he has never been tangled up in a force like mine. He will be in for a surprise on April 13th.”
Melhi is originally from Ivory Coast and fights in Belgium, with a record of 32 wins, 2 losses, and 26 KOs. After winning the cruiserweight title in 2021, he is aiming for heavyweight glory. Merhi is full of confidence after his recent win over Tony Yoka in Paris. “I finished last year on a good note, so I'm aiming to maintain that record on American turf. Anderson is here for a reality check.”
Ajagba, who has a record of 19-1 and 14 KOs, bounced back impressively from his first loss and racked up wins throughout 2023, including a notable victory over Joe Goodall.
Ajagba remembered Vianello from his Olympic days and recognized his talent. “If I want to achieve my dream of becoming heavyweight champion, I have to improve my game against Guido.”
Vianello has a record of 12-1-1 with 10 knockouts, but is hungry for a win after an unfortunate loss due to an amputated eye. He has a knockout victory and is ready for the challenge Ajagba presents. “Fighting a top heavyweight is a huge opportunity for me. I am fully committed to a great fight on April 13th.”
Conceição, a Brazilian boxing pioneer and Olympic gold medalist, is looking to bounce back from a tough loss in a title fight. Guardado, meanwhile, is riding high on his recent knockout win and will be leaving Mexico for the first time.
Anderson – Maley fight card
(ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, 10pm ET/7pm PT)
• Jared Anderson 250.9 pounds. vs. Riyad Mahi 235.6 lbs.
(Anderson's WBO International and WBC USA Heavyweight Titles – 10 Rounds)
• Efe Ajagba 241.2 pounds vs. Guido Vianello 244.5 pounds
(Ajagba’s WBC Silver Heavyweight Title — 10 rounds)
• Robson Conceição 131.6 pounds vs. Jose Guardado 131.5 pounds
(Junior Lightweight — 8 rounds)
(ESPN+, 5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT)
• Julian Delgado 159.3 pounds vs. Juan Tamez 159 pounds
(Middleweight – 4 rounds)
• Ruben Villa 125.6 pounds vs. Cristian Cruz 125.1 pounds
(Vacant WBC Silver Featherweight Title — 10 rounds)
• John Rincon 143 pounds vs. Yaynel Alvarez 143.5 pounds
(Welterweight – 6 rounds)
• Abdullah Mason 134.6 pounds vs. Ronal Long 134.7 pounds
(Lightweight – 8 rounds)
• Charlie Suarez 131.8 pounds vs. Louis Coria 131.7 pounds
(Junior Lightweight — 8 rounds)
• Jalen Walker 131.2 pounds vs. Alejandro Guerrero 131.8 pounds
(Junior Lightweight — 8 rounds)
• Ali Feliz 219.1 pounds vs. Anthony Woodson III 280.2 pounds
(Heavyweight – 4 rounds)
