Jared Anderson vs. Zhan Kossobutskiy | ESPN - July 1, 2023 (OFF)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Sources: Heavyweights Jared Anderson, Zhan Kossobutskiy to meet

Jared "Big Baby" Anderson and Zhan Kossobutskiy will meet in a battle of big-punching undefeated heavyweights on July 1 in Toledo, Ohio, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

Anderson, ESPN's No. 8 heavyweight, will fight in his hometown for the first time in his pro career and will also make his debut in an ESPN main event. The 23-year-old will return home on the heels of his two most-impressive victories.

In a pair of step-up bouts, Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) stopped Jerry Forrest in Round 2 in December and followed up with a third-round TKO victory over George Arias earlier this month. Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) of Kazakhstan will represent another jump in class as Anderson's stiffest test yet.

The southpaw's best win came last February, a fifth-round TKO of former title challenger Johann Duhaupas. Now, Kossobutskiy will make his North American debut against his best opponent to date.

Both fighters are full-sized heavyweights: Anderson is 6-foot-4, 247-plus pounds while Kossobutskiy is 6-3 and about 240. Between the two fighters, only one opponent has lasted the distance: a six-round bout for Kossobutskiy in 2018.

Anderson has appeared to be the next great American heavyweight and the bout against Kossobutskiy will be the best glimpse yet into just how good he will someday be.

Anderson unloaded over 100 punches in the opening round vs. Forrest and his fan-friendly style is made for TV.

[margaret thatcher]

lol mike already has jah at #8?

not a bad fight, though i expect the stud to do a number on zhan

[Ruthless-RKO]

https://boxrec.com/en/event/870593

Zhan still scheduled for this card. Probably pull out

[Ruthless-RKO]

[gregregegg]

Holy fvck why? I love it but does a USA casual even know who Zhan is?

Putting your prospect in with a relatively unknown, southpaw that can box, and can fvcking whack, and being a 6”3 240lb Kazan probably has an iron chin…. That’s wild.

Crazy thing is it must be for somthing…. Which means could be a 12 rounder, even scarier.

[gregregegg]

For context I would of been impressed if fury’s july fight was Zhan Kos…(wouldn’t of been a bad one either, 6”3 southpaw, obviously doesn’t move like usyk but would be a decent warm up)

[joshj909]

Holy fvck why? I love it but does a USA casual even know who Zhan is?

Putting your prospect in with a relatively unknown, southpaw that can box, and can fvcking whack, and being a 6”3 240lb Kazan probably has an iron chin…. That’s wild.

Crazy thing is it must be for somthing…. Which means could be a 12 rounder, even scarier.

They're both ranked by WBC so maybe there will be a trinket there for them.

[KiwiRider]

Good fight this
Jared needs guys that are motivated to have a go, and Zhan is definitely going to have a go. Perfect prep for a prospect to graduate into a contender.
Here are two aprox 5 minute highlights packages of Zhan's latest fights including Duhaupas in case you haven't seen much of him:

[adislav123]

For context I would of been impressed if fury’s july fight was Zhan Kos…(wouldn’t of been a bad one either, 6”3 southpaw, obviously doesn’t move like usyk but would be a decent warm up)

he's as methodical a constant come forward fighter you will find. punch output and selection is top notch. he mixes it up nicely and puts some steam behind both hands with seemingly little effort.

totally relaxed in there while taking initiative. kossobutzky isn't a warm up for anybody.

given the opposition he blew away at universum hidden on the undercard of rappers/influencers shitshows it's a huge step forward for zhan as well.

he too hasn't had someone of anderson's level in front of him. at least in the pro's.

real 50/50 fight. styles make fights and this should be a great match up. tough call to choose a favourite.

[KiwiRider]

I'm calling Anderson a favourite in this.
If I can get half reasonable odds, I'll put money on it.

[Contendeh]

This is a great, great looking fight. Already looking forward to it.

[oogiebe]

First real test for both fighters. The future looks bright folks.

[funso banjo baby]

Nice matchup

[morm]

I go with Zhan... Anderson is good but untested...
Question is when he take a big shot....
Zhan simms compact, strong.

[JamesPhilips]

Good fight this
Jared needs guys that are motivated to have a go, and Zhan is definitely going to have a go. Perfect prep for a prospect to graduate into a contender.
Here are two aprox 5 minute highlights packages of Zhan's latest fights including Duhaupas in case you haven't seen much of him:

Forgot how crude Zhan can look…… Anderson will be decent favourite

[KiwiRider]

Forgot how crude Zhan can look…… Anderson will be decent favourite

Agree, Jared's jab I think will be the key. Zhan doesn't keep his hands up enough and I feel Anderson at range has this in the bag. Not an easy night though,there is a possibility of Zhan banging him out, and should be entertaining.
The winner of this elevates from prospect to contender in my view.

[oogiebe]

Here's where we see just how good Anderson is. His jab can control the fight against Zhan, who can look pretty crude.

[DrDuke]

Zhan is good, but Anderson has been looking special so far. A nice matchup, since both are fresh and promising. I guess, Anderson will stop Zhan. Yet up to the date that's gotta be the toughest test for Anderson.

[Bandog]

Come on, challenge the kid. He allegedly beat up Fury, causing a delay to one of the Wilder bouts. Fury said he'll be champ eventually, and was impressed.

Seems young these days, but younger than Tydon was when he was champ. (Pre roid checking days of the 80's)

[Ruthless-RKO]

This will be announced early next week.

A press conference is due Tuesday.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

[margaret thatcher]

jah vs zhan

big mak vs the nigerian tower

bring on july 1

[CMCanavessi]

jah vs zhan

big mak vs the nigerian tower

bring on july 1

Hope the 2 winners fight eachother

[margaret thatcher]

not gonna lie , bob is in f@cking great nick for a guy turning 92 this year