Tonight: Anderson-Rudenko and Efe Ajagba-Zhan Kossobutskiy heavyweight co-feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT
The unfinished product, heavyweight Jared Anderson, will be taking a big step backward with his career by facing veteran Andriy Rudenko on August 26th.
Top Rank wanted to match Anderson next against Zhan Kossobutskiy next, but watching him getting knocked silly repeatedly by Charles Martin recently has seemingly changed their plans.
Anderson vs. Rudenko start time
- Date : Saturday, August 26
- Time : 10.30 p.m. ET / 3.30 a.m. BST
- The fight will take place at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- The fight will be available LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.
- Sky Sports will broadcast the fight in the UK.
Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) is 39 years old, and his best years are in the rearview mirror. He has lost to Hughie Fury, Zhilei Zhang, Alexander Povetkin, Agit Kabayel, and Vladyslav Sirenko
There’s little risk for Anderson that he’ll lose to this guy unless he can’t take a punch without being wobbled. Jared has been hurt by journeymen Jerry Forrest and Charles Martin.
This is another older 40-ish fighter Jared Anderson will be facing, and the idea is that he’ll improve through learning from these old vets. If it works, Jared will take over the heavyweight division when Tyson Fury retires.
Mike Coppinger is the one that broke the news of Anderson fighting Rudenko.
The problem with Top Rank feeding Jared so many tomato cans is he could end up like Edgar Berlanga, and not improve at all.
It would be smart for Top Rank not to continue to match Anderson can’t be an older faded fighter for too long because he might not be mentally & physically cut to be a world champion-level fighter.
It’s better that the promotional company find out sooner rather than later if Jared has what it takes to be a world champion fighter. Anderson talking about wanting to retire at 27 isn’t a good sign.
He’s going to be around long enough for Top Rank to get the most out of him, and they don’t want to feed him cans until he’s 26, and then he retires a year later.
It’s a quick turnaround for the 23-year-old Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs), who wants three fights this year. He’s fought twice thus far, beating George Arias and Charles Martin.
That later fight was tough for Anderson, with him getting hurt seemingly each time Martin nailed him cleanly. Anderson’s chin looked fragile, and he appeared to be timid when he was met with resistance.
When Martin would go on the attack, Jared would retreat straight back with his chin in the air. When Martin followed, he would land.
Luckily for Anderson, Martin mostly stood still, wanting to preserve his gas tank, and he would let escape. A younger heavyweight with a killer instinct like Arslanbek Makhmudov would have followed Anderson, trapped him, and bludgeoned him to pieces.
During Thursday’s press conference, the fighters shared their thoughts:
Jared Anderson:
With a look of determination, Anderson explained, “The transition back to training was seamless after my last fight. We barely took a break, diving right back in after a week. The focus was on honing our techniques before moving to sparring. Everything’s perfect, and we’re set to bring our best.”
He continued with an air of confidence, “Since the age of eight, I’ve been trained like a lightweight fighter, so the agility comes naturally to me. Every time I enter the ring, I bring that nimbleness.”
“I assure you, this Saturday, I’ll stick to my game plan, employing my jab and speed. Victory is my only focus, and I will uphold my greatness, for that’s who I am.”
Andriy Rudenko:
With patriotism shining in his eyes, Rudenko proudly declared, “Today marks Ukrainian Independence Day, and I stand here, filled with pride, representing our brave nation, all thanks to our valiant soldiers.”
He added with visible excitement, “I’m thrilled to be in the United States, realizing a lifelong dream of fighting in the professional boxing Mecca. It brings immense joy to my heart.”
“I acknowledge the prowess of my opponent as a top heavyweight prospect, but rest assured, my strategy to defeat him will unveil itself this Saturday in the ring.”
Efe Ajagba:
Ajagba’s focused demeanor conveyed his awareness, “I recognize the significance of this fight and have committed myself to rigorous preparation. Though my opponent is skilled, I am resolved to use every means to secure victory.”
With a respectful nod, he acknowledged, “I’m grateful to him for accepting the challenge. My training has been intense, targeting this specific fight. I know his strength, but I am prepared to triumph on Saturday night.”
Zhan Kossobutskiy:
Kossobutskiy spoke with anticipation gleaming in his eyes, “I have long awaited this chance, and debuting on ESPN is an incredible opportunity for me.”
His voice carried a blend of satisfaction and readiness, “I’m delighted for this fight, having faced formidable adversaries. It’s propelled my career forward, and I believe the same holds true for my opponent. Come this Saturday, we’ll put on a show.”
Jared Anderson -Andriy Rudenko Full Card
- Jared Anderson vs. Andriy Rudenko; Heavyweight
- Efe Ajagba vs. Zhan Kossobutskiy; Heavyweight
- Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Onoriode Ehwarieme; Heavyweight
- Charly Suarez vs. Yohan Vasquez; Super-featherweight
- Nico Ali Walsh vs. Sona Akale; Middleweight
- Bruce Carrington vs. Angel Contreras; Featherweight
- Jeremiah Milton vs. Craig Lewis; Heavyweight
- Ablaikhan Zhussupov vs. Wiston Campos; Welterweight
- Abdullah Mason vs. Cesar Villarraga; Lightweight