Jared Anderson wasn't able to deliver another highlight-reel knockout for his hometown fans in Toledo, Ohio.
However, the surging 23-year-old heavyweight did produce a unanimous decision victory over former world champion Charles Martin at the Huntington Center on Saturday night. And with the victory, Anderson proved something important to himself — that he's capable of going the distance if need be, as the bout marked the first time in his pro career that a fight made it out of the sixth round.
"I wanted to go the distance. It was my first time and I just wanted to make sure I could go the distance," Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) told ESPN in the ring following his latest win. "I had it in me, especially to be able to withstand power the whole 10 rounds. He had power until the last round, so I was just happy to get the rounds in."
It was a valuable learning lesson for Anderson who was the sharper, more agile and busier boxer than Martin, 37. That was evident during the third round, when Anderson dodged out of harm's way and deposited Martin onto the canvas courtesy of a clubbing overhand right.
However, two rounds later, Martin detonated a stinging left hand that put Anderson on steady legs as he had serious adversity for the first time in his pro career. Though Martin dominated that fifth round and repeatedly found a home through Anderson's guard with that same left hand, "The Real Big Baby" bounced back from the frame by continuing to walk the veteran down and pressure him with a bevy of output en route to the lopsided win.
"I think I took his best shot very well," Anderson said. "I had to readjust and get back into my gameplan."
Though Anderson didn't mention any specific names, he did say that he'd be open to fight any heavyweight in the Top 10 and that he's trying to squeeze two more bouts into 2023 before it's over.
Here's how the entire Anderson vs. Martin main card went.