Will Jared Anderson Drown his Talent in Bad Decisions?
Most boxing enthusiasts agree that world-ranked heavyweight Jared “Big Baby” Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) is an immensely talented fighter. But some in the boxing community wonder whether he has the intangibles and mental make-up to live up to his potential, following his recent arrest.
News has come down that Anderson was arrested in the early morning hours of November 6 in Oregon, Ohio. According to the Toledo, Ohio news outlet 13abc, he faces charges for operating a vehicle impaired and improperly handling a firearm.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
It’s the latest in a series of disturbing signs from the 23-year-old from Toledo, Ohio. In June 2023, Anderson made headlines by claiming that he plans to retire by age 27 and is more focused on making money rather than world titles and recognition. With this most recent arrest, further concerns are being raised about Big Baby.
Anderson’s most recent outing was a fifth-round stoppage over Andriy Rudenko in August 2023. In the ring, Anderson is a highly skilled fighter and unusually athletic for a big man. He moves around the ring like a middleweight. His punches flow with ease. The Ohio native has the power to hurt opponents with one shot to either the head or body.
But you must be strong mentally and have the necessary intangibles to be the best you can be. At this point, those attributes are big question marks for Anderson.
Can Big Baby straighten up, fly right, and live up to the mass expectations that so many have for him? Yes, but he’s also a fighter on the verge of being a wasted talent.
