Toledo’s fighting pride returned home for his first headlining attraction in a fight that ended up being his toughest one to date.
Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) went the distance for the first time, as he defeated former world champion “Prince” Charles Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) via 10-round unanimous decision Saturday evening in front of 7,234 hometown fans at Toledo’s Huntington Center.
Anderson’s athleticism helped him win many early rounds as he constantly pressured Martin while pulling away to avoid any return fire. In the third round, he switched to southpaw and dropped Martin with a counter right hook.
TOLEDO, OHIO – JULY 01: Jared Anderson (L) and Charles Martin (R) exchange punches during their heavyweight fight at Huntington Center on July 01, 2023 in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
The 23-year-old knockout artist looked to finish, but the experienced Martin survived. By the fifth, Anderson slowed a bit, which allowed Martin to hurt him with several left hands.
Anderson adjusted by returning to his jab and increasing his output to the body, outlanding Martin in the later rounds. Anderson retained his WBO International and WBC USA titles with scores of 98-91 and 99-90 2x.
Anderson said, “It felt great. I had my team with me. I got my family with me. I got Toledo with me. They showed up and they’re in the building. They were with me the entire 10 rounds. I heard them all the way through. I’m grateful for my opponent. He took the fight on short notice. He came and performed really good. I think we put on a hell of a show for Toledo.
TOLEDO, OHIO – JULY 01: Charles Martin (L) and Jared Anderson (R) exchange punches during their heavyweight fight at Huntington Center on July 01, 2023 in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
“I wanted to go the distance. It was my first time. I just wanted to make sure that I could go the distance and especially be able to withstand power the whole rounds. He had power until the last round, and I was happy to get the rounds in.
“I think I took his best shots very well. I don’t think there was a time in the fight where I looked unsteady or where I couldn’t hold my own. Did feel like he got me with a good shot and stunned me? No. But do I feel like he got me with a good shot and made me aware? Yes, so I had to readjust and get back to the game plan.”
TOLEDO, OHIO – JULY 01: Charles Martin (L) and Jared Anderson (R) exchange punches during their heavyweight fight at Huntington Center on July 01, 2023 in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Martin said, “I took the fight on 11 days’ notice. I did the best I could. He’s a real champion. He’ll be making his way to the top soon. I’m proud of him.
“He’s really good. He’s a crafty boxer. Usually, when I catch somebody and hurt them, I can finish them. If they don’t fall, usually I can follow up and put them away. But he is like a little middleweight. He is crafty. He was able to get out even when he was rocked. He was able to maneuver and get out the way. He’s going to be a champion.”
Credit: Top Rank Boxing
You must be logged in to post a comment.