Jared Anderson returned to the win column Friday night by outpointing Marios Kollias, but his performance drew criticism from at least one high-profile Top Rank voice. Matchmaker Bruce Trampler took to social media afterward, calling Anderson’s effort into question and suggesting that the company’s team "worked harder for him than he worked for himself." Anderson or someone from his camp responded online with some dismissive emojis and found himself on the receiving end of Trampler's reminder that he can be a world champion "if he truly wants it."
The 25-year-old heavyweight was once touted as the future of American boxing, but his journey has been bumpy. He reportedly defied Top Rank by fighting Martin Bakole last August and suffered a knockout loss. That setback was followed by legal troubles later in the year. Even before the Bakole fight, Anderson admitted to dealing with mental pressure, revealing in a candid interview that he felt burdened by the expectations placed on his shoulders.
Despite those personal struggles, he racked up a solid record, including a decision victory over former titleholder Charles Martin and a subsequent TKO of Andrii Rudenko. However, the performance against Kollias - relatively early on an ESPN+ undercard - suggested Anderson still has a ways to go to regain the hype he enjoyed only a year ago. Trampler’s social media comments indicate Top Rank is looking to see more dedication and spark from the Toledo native if he’s to climb back into contention.
Where Anderson goes from here depends not just on his talent but on whether he truly wants to commit to living the life of a professional prizefighter. Mental health remains a priority for many boxers, but we can’t help wondering if Anderson’s own drive is fading.
Get to know more about Jared here.
Image Credit: Sky Sports