Jared Anderson with a record of 16-0 and 15 KOs is set for a fight against former cruiserweight Riyad Mahi in a 10-round headliner at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas on Saturday, April 13th. The event will be aired on ESPN, marking another significant fight for the 24-year-old prospect.
The main card will kick off at 10pm ET on ESPN+ and ESPN.
Saturday Card Highlight: Abdullah Mason
Abdullah Mason, considered one of the most skilled fighters on the card, will face Ronal Long in an eight-round lightweight bout during the preliminary section of the event.
The preliminary fights will start at 7pm ET on ESPN+.
Many believe that Abdullah Mason, with a record of 12-0 and 10 KOs, should have been positioned in the main event instead of Jared Anderson due to his exceptional talent and potential to become a future world champion.
Saturday fight lineup
1. Jared Anderson vs. Riyad Mahi
2. Ruben Villa vs. Christian Cruz
3. Efa Ajagba vs. Guido Vianello
4. Charlie Suarez vs. Luis Coria
5. Abdullah Mason vs. Ronal Ron
6. Jonran Walker vs. Alejandro Guerrero
7. Robson Conceição vs. Jose Ivan Guardado
8. John Cincon vs. Yaynel Alvarez Telemaco
9. Ali Felix vs. Anthony Woods III
10. Julian Delgado vs. Juan C. Tamez
Merhy: Standout of the Heavyweight Category
Despite his impressive track record, Mahy has faced criticism for being a safe test for Anderson. He’s seen as an opponent brought in to boost Anderson’s image, yet questions loom over his future in the sport.
Anderson’s promoter, Bob Arum, is eyeing a shot at the world heavyweight title for Anderson by 2026, capitalizing on a transitioning period in the division with champions like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua nearing the end of their careers.
“He will have a big test against Mahi, this Belgian fighter with a great resume. Looking at the rest of this year and next year, by 2026 Jared will be fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship and next… I believe he will be a great heavyweight in the world,” stated Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. box nation About Jared Anderson.
Challenges Ahead
Top Rank, Anderson’s promoters, are cautious about pitting him against top-tier opponents following his struggles in the ring. His fight against former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin revealed weaknesses in his game.
Despite his undefeated record, Anderson’s true potential remains untested against elite competition, prompting questions about the direction of his career.
A Decision Looms
While Anderson continues to rack up wins, doubts persist about his long-term viability in the sport. The pressure is on Top Rank to determine whether Anderson is a worthwhile investment or if they will face a situation similar to their handling of Edgar Berlanga.
Anderson’s career trajectory parallels that of Berlanga, who faced a string of lesser opponents before facing difficulties when matched against higher-level fighters. The fate of Anderson at Top Rank hangs in the balance as they assess his future in the competitive heavyweight division.
