Saudi promoter Turki Alarusik has proposed a match between undefeated heavyweight challenger Jared Anderson and former WBC champion Deontay Wilder on the upcoming August 3rd event in Los Angeles.
Time Constraints
The challenge lies in Wilder’s quick recovery from his recent bout with Zhang Zhilei on June 1st in order to step into the ring with Anderson on August 3rd.
With only eight weeks between fights, it remains uncertain if Wilder can sufficiently recuperate from his intense battle with Zhang. This raises doubts about his readiness to face Anderson on August 3rd.
Facing Reality
- Wilder faced a formidable opponent in Zhang and is at risk of being knocked out early in the morning of June 1st.
- It seems improbable that Wilder will be fit for a match just eight weeks after tangling with Zhang.
- Since his defeat to Fury in 2021, Wilder has been relatively inactive in the ring.
Considering the likelihood of a swift knockout by Zhang, Wilder, at nearly 39 years old, may find it arduous to resume training promptly following the beating. Due to the necessary recovery time from such a defeat, a matchup with Jared Anderson on August 3rd would not be in Wilder’s best interest.
Post his loss to Fury in 2021, Wilder has had limited fights, with encounters against Robert Hellenius and Joseph Parker. In his bout with Parker last December, Wilder seemed hesitant to fully engage throughout the 12-round match.
Saudi promoter Alarusik should contemplate the possibility of Wilder being unprepared for the August 3rd event. Alternate heavyweight contenders could serve as suitable replacements for Anderson, provided Anderson and Top Rank’s promoters are open to exploring other matchups.
Jared Anderson’s fighting methodology lacks excitement, emphasizing the need to challenge him. Anderson’s style, akin to Shakur Stevenson but on a larger scale, adopts a cautious approach.
Anderson’s fights often fall short in entertainment value, underscoring the importance of pitting him against aggressive opponents. Failure to do so may result in tedious matches, exemplified by his recent uneventful victory over ex-cruiserweight Riyad Mahi, which prompted booing from the audience from the fourth round onwards.
Who Could be Anderson’s Next Adversary?
- Bahodir Jalolov: An excellent choice, given his accolades as the 2020 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist.
- Frank Sanchez: A skilled Cuban fighter capable of besting Anderson with ease.
- Martin Bakole: The British heavyweight poses a challenge to Anderson with his power-packed style.
- Renier PeroĢt: A formidable contender hailing from Cuba, offering a tough challenge to Jared.
- Joe Joyce: Known for his power and intensity, Joyce promises an engaging match.
- Jai Opetaia: Former IBF cruiserweight champion, Opetaia presents speed and strength to outmatch Anderson, offering a more thrilling encounter.
