The leap, and when to pursue it forcefully, requires a delicate balance of ambition and patience.
Jared Anderson is now a prospect and one of boxing’s most promising up-and-comers. His next goal is to become a contender. However, some of the most dangerous competitors in the sport stand in the way of this ambition. Tyson Fury, the WBC champion, Oleksandr Usyk, the unified WBO, IBF, and WBA champion, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Joe Joyce are the gatekeepers of the heavyweight division, and they do not appear eager to relinquish their positions any time soon.
Anderson, who has engaged in combat with Fury, is no longer content to be their student, though.
“In my last fight, I said, ‘I am now the instructor.’” And I meant it,” Anderson declared to The Post. “I am prepared to dismiss them anytime they are ready. When they are ready to accept these bouts, they can contact me and I will accept immediately. I believe it’s a high-risk, high-reward proposition if you beat me.
“I’m attracting a great deal of attention, and I’ve heard Deontay say that he wouldn’t receive credit for defeating me, but in reality, he would. To defeat someone with my level of skill, who is not just a puncher but much more, who uses his head movement, feet, and other techniques, I believe people would give him far more credit than he believes. In any case, I’m ready whenever.”
Jared Anderson has become one of the most promising heavyweights.
Getty Pictures
Anderson, 23 years old, has emerged as one of the greatest challenges to the heavyweight hierarchy. He has amassed a perfect 12-0 record by knocking out every opponent in spectacular fashion. In the ring, he has grown in size with a combination of strength and dexterity that is rarely seen in his division.
Before he can reach the top of the heavyweight division, “Big Baby” now makes his most significant step toward this objective. He faces Jerry Forrest (26-5-2), a 34-year-old veteran, in a 10-round contest at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night (9 p.m., ESPN+).
Forrest is more than merely a stepping stone; it is an essential test for Anderson. He has been knocked out only once in his career, in 2013, and he should be able to test and sustain some of Anderson’s formidable punching power.
That is the concept, at least. With each increase in competition, Anderson has exhibited a higher level of play.
In his penultimate match, Jared Anderson knocks out Miljan Rovcanin.
Top Rank Images via Getty
Jared Anderson is referred to as “Big Baby”
Top Rank Images via Getty
Anderson said, “My value ethic,” when asked what has set him apart in the ring. “You don’t see many heavyweights throwing as many punches that I throw, you don’t see them coming forward with calculated pressure. I move my head, I may not start off doing it, but when I get in my groove, I start moving my head, moving my hands fast, my feet are always moving, and I’m staying aware of my surroundings, listening to my coaches. I am just an all-around different combatant in a variety of ways. And I watch the tiny things, I watch the little warriors, which has many benefits for me.”
Anderson’s sweet tone outside of the ring contrasts with his ruthless approach on fight night. He is reserved in most pre-fight promotions and avoids trash talk, while maintaining a modest profile on social media. It all changes when he enters the arena, as he has become known for exorbitant outfits and mid-fight banter.
Anderson has dressed up in full costume like Chucky, a chef and as a prisoner while walking to the ring, the last an ode to his incarcerated brother. After his latest knockouts, he can be heard sarcastically pleading with his opponents to get back up before unleashing his celebration.
Anderson possesses a profound knowledge of the person he aspires to be. The heavyweight category is perhaps unrivaled in boxing for the entertainment value and theatrics of its competitors.
Anderson is aware of the template established by the division’s top fighters. Now, he is prepared to provide his own classes.
Anderson stated, “I don’t want to be a superstar at all.” “I don’t wish to be recognized, but it comes with the territory. I am now willing and prepared to embrace it. I must confront the reality, but it’s not me, it’s not my nature. Everyone will have an opinion, and I will have to accept that I will be discussed for the rest of my life so long as I continue to be outstanding. I am prepared for it.”
»Jared Anderson is prepared to take charge of the heavyweight division: “I’m the instructor now.”«