Jared Anderson’s first professional fight in Toledo on July 1

TOLEDO, Ohio — Undefeated heavyweight “The Real Big Kid” Jared Anderson is looking to leave his first pro fight in the City of Glass victorious and prove his status as a hometown hero on July 1st.

The Toledo native is 14-0 with 14 KOs heading into his July 1 fight with another undefeated boxer, 34-year-old Jean Kasabutsky (19-0, 18 KOs). This will be Anderson’s first fight in the main event on ESPN.

In an interview with WTOL 11’s Tyler Segermansaid the Scott High graduate While he expects his bout with Kasabutsky to be one of his tougher fights, Anderson said the love he felt in Toledo was a special experience.

“It was love, I just felt really embraced,” Anderson said. “There are lots of hugs, lots of pictures and lots of ‘I’m proud of you.'”

“Doing it in my hometown, it just puts the cherry on top, it’s going to be a big night and everybody’s going to see it on ESPN.”

Running back and forth between interviews, conferences and promotions is nothing new for a boxer in the run-up to a big fight. Anderson described his promotion for the fight as chaotic, but more than worth it as it benefits Toledo.

“There’s a lot going on, but it’s all for a good cause and for the betterment of Toledo. I’m for it.” Anderson said. “We are all working towards one better goal. Just to spread the word that we are one of the largest cities in the country.

Toledo City Councilwoman Venice Williams, a boxing fan since age 12, said Anderson’s success makes him a role model for other 419 boxing hopefuls.

“Jared presented an opportunity to highlight his hometown,” Williams said. “Most of our champions are stupid. We emphasize where we come from and we’re proud of it.”

Many are calling Anderson the next great American heavyweight, and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapschukiewicz said the 23-year-old star’s professional debut in the Glass City builds on the city’s underrated boxing history.

Kapschukiewicz argued that the golden age of boxing – primarily in the 1920s and ’30s – began with “Sunny Day” in Toledo on July 4, 1919, when Jack Dempsey defeated Jess Willard at Bay View Park Arena to win the world championship. in heavyweight. name.

And now Toledo is ready to back it up as Anderson looks to add the 15th knockout of his career.

Anderson is ranked 7th in the World Boxing Organization’s heavyweight rankings. Kasabutsky is ranked 8th by the World Boxing Council.

Anderson, 23, is 6-foot-4 with a height of 78.5 inches. Kasabutsky is 6-3 with a 78-inch reach.

Anderson won all but two of his fights in three rounds or less.

Watch the full press conference promoting the July 1 fight below: