BIGGEST WINNER
Jared Anderson
Anderson won another battle. We’ll see if he wins the fight or not.
The undefeated heavyweight had no trouble defeating Ryad Merhy on Saturday night in Corpus Christi, Texas, to earn a spot The 10-round decision was almost off against a dominant force that did not want to participate.
Nothing in his performance should change the minds of those who believe Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) is on track to become a world champion one day.
However, there’s something else that might give those guys pause: The 24-year-old’s inexplicable behavior outside the ring, which could derail his pursuit of stardom. him – and his life outside the ring, which includes a baby on the way – if he doesn’t. Take action together.
Anderson has been arrested twice in the past few months, first for violating gun laws (for which he received a suspended sentence) and then chasing police at speeds in excess of 130 mph. He is due in court Monday on felony charges in the second incident.
He mostly said the right things after his missteps, admitting that the chase was a mistake and calling it “lessons learned.”
However, I noticed two alarming things on ESPN’s Saturday night broadcast. One, he said he doesn’t regret pursuing it. And second, he wore what appeared to be auto racing attire – including a helmet – while walking in the ring.
I don’t understand how on the one hand he can admit to foolish behavior and then show no remorse. That makes it seem like no lesson was learned after all. And helmets? My interpretation is that he is downplaying serious allegations and/or disregarding authority.
A car would become a rocket at that speed. He was lucky that no one died, including himself. To minimize the poor judgment he displayed by wearing racing attire is unconscionable.
“Jared Anderson came out with a racing theme,” said ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore, clearly surprised by the fighter’s choice of outfit. “Helmet and all then in February he was just charged with a third degree felony for fleeing from police… [a] chases reach speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. And now he walks the ring in his auto racing uniform and helmet.”
I was as stunned as Tessitore. And I guess many others do too.
I wonder if someone whispered in Anderson’s ear that cultivating a bad boy image could be used as a marketing tool, which isn’t a novel idea. Some people like to rebel. However, if that is the strategy, there are better ways to do it than endangering the lives of those around you and then using it as a prop. That is crossing a boundary.
Anderson has the natural talent and skills to succeed Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk as the face of heavyweight boxing. However, that would not be his destiny if he did not grow up.
He’s the Biggest Winner here because of his success in the ring. He could easily be The Biggest Loser.
