Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello and the return of Robson Conceição will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Jared Anderson, the unstoppable force from Toledo, Ohio, is on the hunt for another victory by knockout. He’s gearing up to take on Ryad Merhy from Belgium in a top-billed fight that’s sure to get the crowd roaring in Corpus Christi, Texas, come Saturday, April 13.
Not to be overshadowed, the co-headliner throws Efe Ajagba and Guido Vianello into the ring. Both hailing from the class of 2016 Olympians, this Nigerian-Italian clash is nothing short of a powerhouse showdown.
Kicking things off, Robson Conceicao aims to keep his dreams of junior lightweight glory alive as he faces Jose Guardado, who’s no stranger to shaking things up against the odds.
ESPN and its family of channels will be streaming all the action live, ensuring fans don’t miss a beat.
Top Rank is behind the event, with tickets hitting the shelves come March 5. Bob Arum, the big boss at Top Rank, can barely contain his excitement, promising a spectacle as Anderson makes his claim for the heavyweight throne. He’s also thrown down the gauntlet on the Ajagba vs. Vianello fight, hinting at a knockout fest for heavyweight aficionados.
Anderson, boasting a flawless record with almost all wins by knockout, is fresh from a victorious 2023. He stopped George Arias dead in his tracks, outclassed Charles Martin in a homecoming to remember, and then went on to overpower Andriy Rudenko.
Merhy, with roots in Ivory Coast and Belgium, is not one to back down. Having dethroned Tony Yoka recently, he’s all set to take on Anderson, unfazed by the challenge.
Ajagba, on a comeback trail after a hiccup against Frank Sanchez, is all fired up for Vianello, remembering their Olympic encounter.
Vianello, eager to bounce back from a rare defeat, is ready to prove his mettle against Ajagba, marking it as a golden chance to shine among the heavyweight elite.
Conceição, Brazil’s golden boy in boxing, is looking to bounce back from a couple of setbacks, while Guardado is set to make his mark outside Mexico after a stunning victory last November.
Undercard: First up, Henry Lebron from Puerto Rico, a lefty in the junior lightweight division with an impressive 19 wins and no losses, is stepping into the ring with Charly Suarez from the Philippines. Both lads have managed to keep their records spotless, but they’ll be duking it out for ten rounds to see who gets to keep their winning streak.
Then, we’ve got Corpus Christi’s own John Rincon, who’s eager to put on a show for the local crowd. Last time he fought at the American Bank Center, he managed to snag a win after six rounds. He’s back to see if he can do it again, hoping to add another victory to his 8-0 record.
Keep an eye out for Abdullah Mason, the lightweight sensation that’s been turning heads. Only 19 and already boasting 12 wins, this kid from Cleveland showed his mettle by knocking out Benjamin Gurment in spectacular fashion last time he was in the ring. He’s back for more, ready to take on Ronal Ron in an eight-round battle.
And let’s not forget about Ruben Villa, featherweight contender, who’s gearing up for a ten-round fight with Cristian Cruz Chacon, a seasoned fighter from Mexico. It’s sure to be an interesting night with these two squaring off.
So, grab your snacks and settle in for a night of top-notch boxing, brought to you straight from the ring to your screens.