Jared Anderson‘s rise as America’s next heavyweight hope was severely stunted by Martin Bakole.
The 24-year-old dismissed worries that the match-up was too much too soon, but faced a reality check when he was dropped in the first round by big Bakole.
The Congolese-born heavyweight finished the job in the fifth, announcing himself on the US stage whilst simultaneously stopping Anderson’s campaign in its tracks.
It was a rude awakening for the charismatic Anderson, who was confident throughout fight week and even engaged in some back-and-forth with another fighter on the card, Jarrell Miller.
Via FightHype, Miller – who had a controversial draw with Andy Ruiz Jr on the night – told Anderson that he could come back improved but warned him not to take too high a step up the ladder when doing so.
“I don’t like kicking people when they’re down, know what I mean? He didn’t have the same grace for me, I’m a little different. He young. He’s got to take his time back, get the right fights. Don’t f**k with the big boys just yet. Just get the craft.”
As for Bakole, he moves ahead with all the hype behind him. Whilst he wants a fight with Zhilei Zhang, promoter Frank Warren told Seconds Out that’s unlikely as the Chinese southpaw has a contracted rematch with Joseph Parker.
Miller, unlikely to have a rematch with Ruiz after their draw due to a hand injury on the latter’s part, may just be willing to step in with the Congolese thumping puncher.
