Wilder slated to fight unbeaten Anderson in L.A.

Key Facts

- Mike Coppinger, ESPNApr 30, 2024, 10:34 AM ET REACTIONS A clash between former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and undefeated contender Jared Anderson is being planned for Aug. 3 in Los Angeles, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, announced Monday evening on social media.
"I always believe that boxing would be at its peak when you have young American heavyweights like Jared Anderson, which I also believe in his talent and his promising future," Alalshikh wrote on X. "My advice to him, 'focus on your future, training, and commitment and you will reach your goals.'" Anderson (17-0, 16 KOs) was arrested in February after police said he led them on a 6-plus-mile car chase with speeds exceeding 130 mph.
So far, he hasn't faced a fellow contender and is now poised for a major step up in class against Wilder, ESPN's No. 7 heavyweight.
Wilder's performance vs. Parker was lackluster, and he desperately needs a victory over Zhang to maintain his standing as one of the world's best heavyweights.