Jared Anderson has been declared the next great American heavyweight, and his promotional teammate Shakur Stevenson is praising the contender for the top spot.
Anderson will face Riyad Mahi on Saturday at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs), a 24-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, wants to make his statement.
Last year, he went from being an undercard fighter to a main event standout and becoming the boxer Top Rank trusts to headline its ESPN telecasts. The 31-year-old Mahy (32-2, 26 KOs) will likely dash the high expectations of Anderson’s supporters, who hope the former cruiser weight world titleholder will make a lasting impression in his U.S. debut. .
In a video post to Top Rank’s YouTube channel, Stevenson said, “(Anderson) can do for him what he can do for me.”
Stevenson is a three-division world champion and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, winning the junior lightweight title. Many believed he was aiming for undisputed status until he cut weight ahead of his September 2022 fight with Robson Conceição.
Stevenson, who defeated Edwin de los Santos to win the vacant world lightweight title last fall, described what he saw in Anderson as, “He’s a little guy in a big body.”
Stevenson added that it’s not just his physical ability that sets Anderson apart, but his skill as well. He even said that Anderson’s skills could make him one of the greatest boxing heavyweights of all time.
“The skills and talent that he has could potentially lead him to greatness like (Muhammad) Ali…Tyson Fury, George Foreman, Joe Frazier and all the greats,” Stevenson said. said.
Ashley’s opinion:
Shakur Stevenson’s support of Jared Anderson as the future of American heavyweight boxing carries weight considering Stevenson’s own success in the sport. Anderson’s upcoming fight against Riyad Mahi is a crucial moment in his career as he looks to solidify his status as a rising star in the division. At just 24 years old, Anderson has already progressed from an undercard fighter to a main event draw, showing that Top Rank has confidence in his abilities. Facing the experienced Mahy will give Anderson an opportunity to make a statement on a national level. Stevenson’s praise of Anderson’s abilities highlights the heavyweight’s unique blend of athleticism and technical ability. Stephenson’s comparison of Anderson to legendary heavyweights such as Muhammad Ali, Tyson Fury and George Foreman underscores Anderson’s potential influence on the sport. Anderson’s road to greatness still continues, but his ambition and talent suggest he has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in boxing history. Fans and experts will be watching closely to see if Anderson can fulfill his promise and rise to the top of the heavyweight division as he continues to grow and face stronger opponents.
