IN life, we are incessantly told that a good attitude is instrumental to one’s success.
Not just that, but we are told that talent can only take a person so far, because unless they are willing to approach each task with a dogged and fiercely obsessive mindset, then the chances of them reaching their full potential are incredibly slim.
This, as corny as it may sound, should be the mantra for any fighter looking to become a world champion.
Based on his performance last night, however, it would appear that Jared Anderson – a heavyweight prospect who, even now, has all the ingredients to become a global star – is yet to develop an attitude that could remotely be described as good.
Concerns over his commitment to the sport have been expressed by a large chunk of boxing’s fraternity, and even Anderson, 18-1 (15 KOs), himself has teased a potential retirement at the age of 26.
Though still a year away from that possibility, the 25-year-old has done little to suggest that his career is heading in any other direction.
Over the past few years, Tyson Fury has been among those who have showered Anderson with roses, tipping him to reign supreme over the heavyweight division in the not too distant future.
And yet, while he hoped to come away from his outing on the undercard of Denys Berinchyk vs Keyshawn Davis smelling of the red flowers, he instead produced a Valentine’s Day performance that reeked of something far more potent – and far less desirable.
Against Marios Kollias – a mediocre heavyweight at best – Anderson looked a far cry from the explosive and dynamic puncher we were all hoping he could become.
Rather, a lacklustre display saw the American trudge through each round, showing little impetus to step his foot on the gas.
In doing so, Anderson not only failed to captivate his fans but also revealed several worrying signs of vulnerability, allowing his limited opponent to snap his neck back with a series of unremarkable combinations.
It should go without saying, too, that his uninspiring but nonetheless wide unanimous decision victory was the last thing he needed after losing in such devastating fashion against Martin Bakole last August.
Yet now, should he wish to achieve what others know he is capable of, it would appear that Anderson has left himself with an enormous mountain to climb.
