The ring in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will host a thrilling heavyweight face-off on August 26th as the unbeaten Jared “Real Big Baby” Anderson faces off against the seasoned Andrii Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs). Despite his recent hard-fought win over “Prince” Charles Martin, Anderson’s swift turnaround and selection of Rudenko as an opponent has some labeling this a step back for the 23-year-old. However, the fight offers an exciting opportunity for Anderson to demonstrate his strength against Rudenko, who has only been stopped once and went the distance against noteworthy fighters like Zhilei Zhang, Alexander Povetkin, and Hughie Fury.
Adding to the night's anticipation, a potential knockout co-main event has been lined up. The powerhouse, Zhan Kossobutskiy, originally slated to fight Anderson but denied due to visa issues, will face the formidable Efe Ajagba. Ajagba, a muscular and athletic heavyweight whose only loss was against Frank Sanchez of Cuba, could prove a substantial challenge for Kossobutskiy. An impressive win over Kossobutskiy could easily bring Ajagba back into consideration for major fight opportunities.
Though some may argue the co-main event could outshine the main event, the undeniably busy Anderson is demonstrating the value of activity for young fighters. After his third fight this year, and should he emerge victorious as expected, fans can likely anticipate another appearance from the “Real Big Baby” before the year’s end. This night of heavyweight action is set to leave boxing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
Image Credit: Sky Sports