A Fresh Start at Madison Square Garden
Jared Anderson finds himself on the preliminary card of the Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis fight, set to take place at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City. This 10-round bout against the relatively unknown heavyweight Marios Kollias is a far cry from the spotlight Anderson once enjoyed. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+ starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The sudden appearance of Kollias as Anderson’s opponent raises questions about the urgency and planning behind this fight, underscoring the severity of Anderson’s current situation following his devastating loss to Martin Bakole.
The Fall from Grace
Top Rank had been grooming the 25-year-old Anderson (17-1, 15 KOs) as the heir apparent to aging heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, envisioning him as their next big star. However, Anderson’s world came crashing down on August 3rd, 2022, when he faced Martin Bakole in Los Angeles. Bakole not only knocked Anderson down in the first round but also twice more in the fifth, leading to a brutal fifth-round knockout. The surprising part was how Anderson managed to stay upright for so long, given the overwhelming force of Bakole’s punches. This defeat exposed Anderson’s vulnerabilities and raised serious doubts about his potential as a top-tier fighter.
Early Warning Signs
Promoter Bob Arum, known for his keen eye in the boxing world, should have seen the warning signs long before Anderson’s fateful encounter with Bakole. In previous bouts, Anderson had shown signs of fragility, being staggered by fighters like Jerry Forrest, Charles Martin, and Ryad Merhy. These instances should have been red flags for Top Rank, indicating that Anderson was not as invincible as they had hoped. The strategy of shielding a fighter from tough opponents, as seen with Tyson Fury, can only carry them so far. When a fighter’s weaknesses are exposed, it can be catastrophic, as it was for Anderson.
A Tale of Two Careers
Tyson Fury’s career is a prime example of how careful matchmaking can transform a single significant win into a goldmine. Fury’s victory over a past-peak Wladimir Klitschko catapulted him to stardom, leading to lucrative contracts and high-profile fights. However, Anderson’s path diverged sharply from this trajectory. Instead of growing stronger with each fight, Anderson’s performances against even journeymen fighters revealed his limitations. This stark contrast highlights the importance of a fighter’s resilience and adaptability in the highly competitive world of professional boxing.
The Crucial Test
The outcome of Anderson’s fight against Kollias could be pivotal for his future in boxing. If Anderson struggles against the 33-year-old Kollias, it might be a sign that Top Rank should cut their losses and pivot to a new prospect. The promotional company has invested significant resources into Anderson, and a poor performance tonight could cement the notion that he is not destined for greatness. The pressure on Anderson is immense, as this fight represents a chance to salvage his career and prove that he can still compete at a high level.
A Low Profile and a New Look
Since his loss to Bakole, Anderson has kept a low profile, a classic response to a devastating defeat. His recent appearance, showing some extra weight around his midsection, suggests that he has been taking a break from rigorous training. While a bit of rest can be beneficial, Anderson must be mindful of his conditioning as he prepares for tonight’s fight. The boxing world is unforgiving, and a lack of preparation could lead to another embarrassing defeat. For Anderson, tonight’s bout against Kollias is not just a fight but a crucial step in his journey to reclaim his place in the heavyweight division.
