Jared Anderson, Toledo’s undefeated heavyweight sensation, is itching for another victory by knockout. He’s stepping into the ring with a tougher challenge this time, going glove to glove with Belgium’s Ryad Merhy on a Saturday showdown, April 13, in a 10-round headline event at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
- Date: Saturday, April 13
- Start Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
- Streaming: Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+
- Venue: American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Tickets Sale: Ticketmaster.com
In a clash of 2016 Olympians, Nigeria’s hard-hitter Efe Ajagba and Italy’s boxing gem Guido Vianello will throw down in a heavyweight co-main event that promises fireworks.
Kicking off the televised action, Robson Conceicao, a three-time world title challenger, is determined to keep his junior lightweight title dreams afloat as he squares off against Jose Guardado, who’s got his eyes set on a major upset.
The triple threat of Anderson vs. Merhy, Ajagba vs. Vianello, and Conceicao vs. Guardado will be streamed live, courtesy of ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+, making sure you don’t miss a beat of the action starting 10 p.m. ET.
Tickets for this boxing bonanza, courtesy of Top Rank, will be up for grabs starting Tuesday, March 5, bright and early at 10 a.m. CST through Ticketmaster.
Bob Arum, the big boss at Top Rank, couldn’t contain his excitement. “Jared Anderson is tearing up the heavyweight scene, and now he’s facing his biggest test. Corpus Christi’s about to witness the rise of a future heavyweight champ. Efe Ajagba packs a punch like no other, but Guido Vianello isn’t one to back down. This lineup’s a knockout waiting to happen.”
Anderson, boasting a perfect record of 16-0 with 15 KOs, had a stellar 2023, toppling opponents left and right. His highlight reel includes a swift takedown of George Arias and a triumphant victory over Charles Martin, capped off with a stoppage win against Andriy Rudenko.
Anderson’s fired up for 2024, ready to dazzle fans in Corpus Christi and viewers at home. “Merhy’s tough, but he’s never tangled with a force like me. He’s in for a surprise come April 13.”
Merhy, hailing from the Ivory Coast and fighting out of Belgium, carries a record of 32-2 with 26 KOs. After clinching a cruiserweight title in 2021, he’s set his sights on heavyweight glory. A recent victory over Tony Yoka in Paris has Merhy brimming with confidence. “I wrapped up last year on a high note and I’m aiming to keep that streak on American turf. Anderson’s in for a reality check.”
Ajagba, with a record of 19-1 and 14 KOs, bounced back brilliantly from his first defeat, lining up victories throughout 2023, including a notable win over Joe Goodall.
Ajagba reminisced about Vianello from their Olympic days, acknowledging his prowess. “To reach my dream of becoming heavyweight champion, I’ve got to be on top of my game against Guido.”
Vianello, standing at 12-1-1 with 10 KOs, is hungry for a win following an unfortunate loss due to an eye cut. He’s coming off a knockout win and is ready for the challenge Ajagba presents. “Facing a top heavyweight is a massive chance for me. I’m all in for a spectacular fight on April 13.”
Conceicao, a trailblazer for Brazilian boxing and an Olympic gold medalist, is looking to bounce back from some tough title fight losses. Guardado, on the other hand, is stepping out of Mexico for the first time, riding high on a recent knockout win.
Anderson – Mehry fight card
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- (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)
• Jared Anderson 250.9 lbs. vs. Ryad Merhy 235.6 lbs
(Anderson’s WBO International and WBC USA Heavyweight Titles – 10 Rounds)
• Efe Ajagba 241.2 lbs vs. Guido Vianello 244.5 lbs
(Ajagba’s WBC Silver Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds)
• Robson Conceição 131.6 lbs vs. Jose Guardado 131.5 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
(ESPN+, 5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT)
• Julian Delgado 159.3 lbs vs. Juan Tamez 159 lbs
(Middleweight— 4 Rounds)
• Ruben Villa 125.6 lbs vs. Cristian Cruz 125.1 lbs
(Vacant WBC Silver Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)
• John Rincon 143 lbs vs. Yainel Alvarez 143.5 lbs
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)
• Abdullah Mason 134.6 lbs vs. Ronal Ron 134.7 lbs
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
• Charly Suarez 131.8 lbs vs. Louie Coria 131.7 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
• Jalen Walker 131.2 lbs vs. Alejandro Guerrero 131.8 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
• Ali Feliz 219.1 lbs vs. Anthony Woodson III 280.2 lbs
(Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)