By Happypal 
Heavyweight boxing is always on the hunt for the next superstar: the knockout artist, the rising champion who can restore excitement to the division. Jared “Big Baby” Anderson has long been considered one of those future stars, and now, according to recent reports, he may be on the verge of a career-reviving opportunity — a final eliminator that could catapult him into a world title fight.
Anderson is set to receive an offer to face Frank Sanchez in an IBF final eliminator. The prize? A mandatory challenger spot to face Oleksandr Usyk, one of the top heavyweight champions in the world. For Anderson, this isn’t just another fight: it’s a do-or-die moment in his heavyweight journey.
Backstory: The Rise, the Setback, and the Comeback
The Rise
Anderson burst onto the scene with power, promise, and a string of brutal knockouts. In those early days:
- He built a reputation for one-punch explosiveness.
- He appeared as a teenage heavyweight with size, speed, and natural athleticism.
- Promoters saw him as a long-term project — but one with extraordinary upside.
His promoter, Bob Arum, has often spoken about a long-term plan: Anderson gets experience, learns, and builds toward a world title fight. According to Arum, the goal was always to make Anderson a heavyweight champion — not just now, but for a sustained reign.
The Shock Loss
However, Anderson’s journey hasn’t been flawless. In August, he suffered a shock defeat to Martin Bakole, getting stopped in a fight that raised serious questions about his readiness. He was knocked down multiple times before the fight was stopped — a brutal moment in what had been a fast and ferocious riseSPORT ⚽ S
That loss was a humbling moment: it punctured the myth of an invincible young machine. For a boxer with title ambitions, losing in that way demands more than tactical adjustment — it demands mental resilience and a recalibration of goals.
The Comeback Path
Since the Bakole defeat, Anderson has only fought once more in a relatively quiet fight — a decision win over Marios Kollias. It wasn’t a flashy knockout, but it mattered: it showed he was still moving, still relevant, and, importantly, still in the conversation for big fights.
Now, he’s being lined up for a final eliminator. This isn’t a consolation prize. It’s a real chance to become a mandatory challenger and re-enter the world title conversation in a meaningful way.
The Eliminator: Why This Fight Matters
What Is a Final Eliminator?
A final eliminator in boxing is essentially a “last-chance qualifier”: the winner becomes the mandatory challenger for a world title. In Anderson’s case, a win would make him the IBF’s mandatory, giving him a very clean path to a world title opportunity.
Why the Opportunity Has Opened Up
According to discussions in boxing circles, several IBF-ranked heavyweights have turned down the fight against Frank Sanchez, which has opened the door for Anderson:
- Daniel Dubois, Efe Ajagba, Moses Itauma, and Richard Torrez Jr. are among the top contenders who declined this eliminating bout.
- That gives Anderson a rare chance: not only is he being offered the eliminator, but he’s being offered it at a time when others have stepped aside.
This is bold, but smart. Anderson’s team, particularly Top Rank (his promoters), are clearly positioning him to seize this moment. According to insiders, Top Rank is “very open” to Anderson taking the fight.
The Opponent: Frank Sanchez
Frank Sanchez is no slouch. He’s a seasoned fighter with a solid record, known for his power and experience. He’s been in big fights, and he’s dangerous.
Getting past Sanchez isn’t just about punching him out — Anderson must prove he’s matured, learned from past mistakes, and is now ready to go to the top. A win here would not just be symbolic — it would be a statement.
Anderson’s Ambition: What He Wants Next
Beyond just the eliminator, Anderson’s long-term goals are grand. In interviews, he has been very clear about his ambitions:
- Tyson Fury Connection: Anderson has sparred with Tyson Fury, and Fury has made bold predictions about Anderson becoming a champion. Anderson has said he respects Fury but he’s determined to make his own path.
- Chasing Legacy: He talks about wanting to be an “icon” in heavyweight boxing — not just a one-hit wonder, but someone who defines an era.
- Big Money Vision: Anderson isn’t just boxing for titles — he’s also strategic about making money, being marketable, and turning his career into something that pays both in sport and business.
In short: this eliminator could set him on a path to greatness — but only if he executes.
Strengths That Could Deliver Him the Eliminator
Let’s break down what Jared Anderson brings to the table — particularly in a high-stakes fight like a final eliminator.
1. Knockout Power
Anderson’s power remains his greatest asset. Even after his loss, his punching ability is still elite for a young heavyweight. He has stopped many of his early opponents, and that raw force can decide a fight at any moment.
2. Athleticism and Youth
He’s young, which means his physical prime is ahead of him. He hasn’t peaked yet. That gives him both upside and time to grow into a true heavyweight contender.
3. Experience With Greats
Training with Tyson Fury, sparring with top-level heavyweights — Anderson is learning from the best. That kind of exposure is invaluable.
4. Mental Resilience
The Bakole loss was a test. To be offered this eliminator suggests his team and the sanctioning bodies believe he has bounced back mentally. That’s a huge part of being a serious contender.
5. Strategic Support from Top Rank
Promoter Bob Arum has long-term plans for Anderson. Arum’s vision: get him into big fights gradually, make sure he’s ready not just to win a title, but to defend it.
Risks and Challenges: What Could Go Wrong
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Anderson’s path is risky, and several challenges could derail his title shot.
A. High Stakes, High Pressure
A final eliminator is not a tune-up. It’s a high-pressure fight. If Anderson loses, the window for a mandatory title shot could close, and he might have to take a less desirable route back.
B. Question Marks About Durability
The Bakole loss highlighted concerns about Anderson’s durability and defense. Can he take a world-class punch and keep coming forward? His ability to box smarter will be tested.
C. Sánchez Isn’t a Walkover
Frank Sanchez is a legit contender. He will come into the fight well-prepared and motivated. Anderson must not underestimate him.
D. Media and Career Expectations
Once you’re in a fight of this magnitude, the spotlight intensifies. If he wins, he’s in line for title fights. If he loses, critics will be loud. Managing expectations and pressure will be key.
E. Physical Maturity and Experience
Though young, Anderson still needs to mature physically, tactically, and mentally. Facing a seasoned opponent in a high-stakes match may expose lessons he still needs to learn.
Why This Could Be a Turning Point
This eliminator might be the most important fight of Anderson’s career so far, for several reasons:
- Redemption: After his loss to Bakole, a win would re-establish him as a serious contender.
- Legacy Launch: Winning this could mean a title shot, which opens the door to being a true heavyweight star.
- Momentum: A strong performance could reignite his hype — and boxing fans love a comeback story.
- Opportunity of a Lifetime: He hasn’t just been offered another fight — he’s been offered a pathway to a world title.
This is not just about a fight — it’s about making a statement: Jared Anderson isn’t going anywhere. He’s still one of the most dangerous, ambitious, and talented young heavyweights in the sport.
What His Team Is Saying
Anderson’s promoter and his camp have been very deliberate in how they frame this opportunity:
- Bob Arum (Top Rank): He believes in a long-term trajectory. Arum has said he hopes Anderson is ready to fight for a title not just soon, but sustainably.
- Anderson Himself: He’s expressed a balanced mindset: “I’m ready for whatever challenge they offer me.”
- He also speaks about being marketable and building a legacy, not just winning one big fight.
The Bigger Picture: Heavyweight Division Dynamics
This isn’t just a big moment for Anderson. It’s a moment in the heavyweight division’s broader narrative.
- Oleksandr Usyk is the current IBF champion, making this eliminator even more meaningful.
- Some top contenders have avoided this fight, opening the door wide for Anderson.
- A win for Anderson could reposition the heavyweight landscape and introduce a new force at the top.
- For boxing fans, Anderson represents youth, power, and the future — and if he capitalizes, he could become a major draw.
Predictions and What to Watch For
Here’s how this could play out — and what to watch if the fight is confirmed:
- Anderson Wins by KO: This is perhaps the most likely outcome, given his power. If he lands clean, he could win with authority.
- Anderson Wins on Points: A tactical war could emerge, especially if Sanchez prolongs the fight. Anderson would need discipline and stamina.
- Upset by Sanchez: Not impossible. If Sanchez boxes smart, uses his experience, and counters well, he could derail Anderson’s title shot.
- Injury or Ring Rust: Anderson must show he hasn’t lost a step after his loss — sharpness and form will be critical.
- Mental Composure: How he handles the build-up, the pressure, and the weight of what’s at stake will matter almost as much as his punches.
Why This Is Exciting for Boxing Fans
- A Young Star Back in the Mix: Anderson coming back strong is great for the division — a powerful, charismatic, dangerous heavyweight is a draw for fans.
- Meaningful Fight, Big Stakes: Eliminator fights with title implications are exactly what boxing needs to maintain drama and legitimacy.
- Legacy Potential: If Anderson wins and fights for a world title, he could be part of a new heavyweight era.
- Story of Redemption: Everyone loves a comeback. Anderson’s story — setback, rebuild, shot at redemption — is compelling.
Conclusion: The Moment Jared Anderson Needs
Jared Anderson’s potential fight in a final IBF eliminator is not just another step — it’s a defining moment. If he accepts and wins, he could again emerge as a top contender and earn a shot at the world heavyweight title. The risk is high, but so is the reward.
He’s young. He’s powerful. He’s been through adversity. And now, with this opportunity, he has a chance not just to chase a championship — but to build a legacy.
Whether he takes it or not, the conversation is shifting. Anderson is no longer just a future hope; he might be a present heavyweight force, ready to step into boxing’s biggest spotlight.
Related Internal Links (for Your WordPress)
- Jared Anderson: Career Highlights and Knockouts
- Heavyweight Contenders to Watch in 2025
- Oleksandr Usyk: Reigning Heavyweight Champion
- Top Rank Boxing: Rising Stars and Future Champions
- The Road to a Heavyweight Title: Last-Chance Eliminators