Jared Anderson’s Return
Info: Saturday, April 13th - ESPN+ prelims: 2:50 PM PST / ESPN main card: 7:00 PM PST
Heavyweight contender Jared Anderson returns. He is undefeated - and promising and armed with a new second-assist former contender Prenice Brewer to assist Darrie Riley - Anderson’s long-time coach. Anderson’s opponent, Ryad Merhy, recently beat Tony Yoka - but is a career cruiserweight. In fact, Merhy is a former cruiserweight world champion.
The optics whether right or wrong - is Anderson is going to dazzle. Merhy is a secondary story to the big story - Anderson’s journey to a world title. Beyond that, Anderson’s quest to be America’s next great heavyweight. Anderson rose to fame with great performances - now he has to deliver.
Saturday should be a step-forward in that direction as a knockout win should position Anderson for a summertime return.
undercard
Efe Ajagba vs. Guido Vianello is a great heavyweight contender fight. Ajagba has won three hard fights against contenders. Vianello lost to Jonnie Rice - but is being undervalued. This is a battle of two 2016 Olympians who need a statement to get a ‘big fight’.
Robson Conceicao is always in the mix - and his fight against Jose Guardado will hopefully move him toward a title shot. His last fight was a draw against Emanuel Navarrete.
Don’t sleep Charly Suarez vs. Luis Coria. The 130 lbs fight will see two come-forward fighters chucking leather at each other. It is one to watch if you like the prelims.
Ruben Villa will fight Cristian Cruz Chacon - Villa is ranked #2 by the WBC. A win here could get him to his second world title shot or at least an eliminator.
Abdullah Mason vs. Ronal Ron will take place at lightweight. The hopes are high for Abdullah Mason, who is must-see TV.
The pro debut of Ali Feliz will happen on this card and Jalen Walker will fight Alejandro Guerrero in 130 lbs that is better than one might think.
Matchroom Card
The 130 lbs fight between Jordan Gill and Zelfa Barrett is a criminally underrated fight. Is either fighter the best at 130 pounds? -No. Yet, it doesn’t matter.
Gill knocked out Michael Conlan in his last fight - and Barrett only lost was to Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov via stoppage in a fun fight over a year ago. This is a career crossroads for both. The winner should get exalted to a world title - the loser will have some tough fights.
The fight happens during the daytime of Saturday, April 13th in the U.S. on DAZN.
undercard
One of the better fights of the weekend is Ellie Scotney vs. Segolene Lefebvre. It will see the IBF and WBO women’s junior featherweight champions unifying the belts. Sometimes good fights aren’t easy to write about. Scotney has become a top fighter in her division in only eight fights - her opponent, Lefebvre is undefeated, but has never fought outside of France.
Rhiannon Dixon will fight Karen Elizabeth Carabajal for the vacant WBO lightweight title. Carabajal’s lone loss is to Katie Taylor - and Dixon came to boxing late. Dixon is a pharmacist - who has now transitioned into a solid pro. A good fight that will tell the ceiling and potential of Dixon.
I am a fan of middleweight Jimmy Sains. He is talented. He is deep on the undercard, but give him a watch.
Other Notable Bouts
ProBox TV has Angelo Leo vs. Eduardo Baez in the main event of their Wednesday (tonight) night fight card. The bout is available on the ProBox TV app. Also, a very good contender fight between Jaycob Zayas and Jose Arellano in the 122 lbs division will be on the card - and Dominic Valle will be in a eight-round fight.
Charlie Edwards will fight on a smaller card this week.
Bakhodir Jalolov will fight on Sunday against Agron Smakici. Who knows what is going on with Jalolov’s career. The 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist in the super heavyweight