Jared Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) will look to continue his ascent in the heavyweight division when he takes on Ryad Merhy (32-2, 26 KOs).
The two fighters meet in the main event of a Top Rank card at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX. Fight fans can catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Both fighters spoke at a press conference in the buildup to their April 13 bout. Below is what they had to say.
Jared Anderson and Ryad Merhy Meet in Heavyweight Showdown
Jared Anderson
“Expect the best version of me,” said Anderson. “Expect to see me shine. Expect to see me dominate and show why I belong here.”
“Merhy has a different level of experience. But, everything from my amateur pedigree and what I’ve always done to everyone, whether they have experience or not, will play a different role.”
“The challenge [with smaller fighters] is that you have to sometimes deal with their speed, which we trained for. But I don’t really see to many challenges with this. I don’t really see too many challenges. I’m used to fighting all types of different people. I’m used to training with all types of people. So, if you don’t prepare properly, then you won’t perform properly. So, just know that we came prepared for sure.”
Hear Dan Rafael and TJ Rives speak on this fight and more on the latest “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking the play button below.
Ryad Merhy
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Merhy through an interpreter. “What a great opportunity. Who would have ever thought that from a small country like Belgium I would be able to show my talent in America? I hope to represent my country.”
“I’m not looking for anything. They’re looking for me. I’m a cruiserweight who has moved up to the heavyweight division because I was called out. They keep calling me, and now I’m here.”
“Jared is a very talented fighter. He is a great prospect. But this Saturday I’m going to show that he still has a long way to go. I have gone 177 rounds as a pro, while Anderson has only gone 46. So, we’ll see if that plays a big difference on Saturday.”
Fight Prediction
Merhy is the more experienced fighter and is coming off of a split-decision win over Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka. He has also had time to make the transition to heavyweight as this will be his fourth fight in a row at a new weight. Merhy has power, although it may not be as effective as it was at cruiserweight. However, he will be a step up from other opponents Anderson has faced.
Anderson may not be a one-punch knockout fighter but can overwhelm opponents by throwing a high volume of punches. His fight against former world champion Charles Martin showed that he still has some way to go about his development. That being said, Merhy should not be giving him too much trouble if he is what his handlers are making him out to be. Expect a stoppage win for “The Real Big Baby” somewhere in the middle rounds.
Full Press Conference
For the full press conference featuring Anderson, Merhy and other undercard fighters, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.
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