Jared Anderson: “I have a better IQ than Ryad Merhy”
Unbeaten heavyweight phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (16-0, 15KO) is gearing up to deliver another spectacle.
Anderson, the fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, will step up in class to face former WBA World cruiserweight champion Ryad Merhy (32-2, 26KO) on Saturday, April 13, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14KO) and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (12-1-1, 10KO) will collide in a duel of 2016 Olympians.
The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8KO) against the upset-minded Jose Guardado (15-1-1, 5KO).
Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello, and Conceição-Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Anderson is coming off an impressive 2023, where he notched three victories with two knockouts. In April, he brought George Arias’ undefeated run to an end, dismantling the slick Dominican in only three rounds.
Less than three months later, Anderson celebrated his triumphant return to Toledo, squaring off against former world titleholder Charles Martin in front of over 7,000 hometown fans and earning a 10-round unanimous decision.
The 24-year-old carried that momentum into Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he dispatched Andriy Rudenko in five rounds in August.
Belgian boxer Merhy makes his U.S. debut following his best win yet, a December victory over hometown hero and Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in Paris.
Following a recent training session in Houston, this is what Anderson had to say:
“I feel like my career is going in the right direction. The only way is up. But I’m still working like it’s my first day. We’re on the job, so make sure you all stay with the journey. Stay with me.
“I have a better IQ than Merhy. You have to have a high IQ to do this. I have one of the best IQs in the heavyweight division. So, make sure you watch the little things. Make sure you watch for the details.
“He’s got a beating coming. I always come to entertain. Don’t miss it.”
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.