At just 21 years old, Jared Anderson has already made a name for himself in the world of boxing. With an undefeated record and impressive skills in the ring, many have touted him as the “next great heavyweight”. However, recent events have cast a shadow over his potential. But according to legendary promoter Bob Arum, Anderson still has what it takes to reach the top.

In November, Anderson was arrested in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio and charged with improperly handling firearms while under the influence. A month later, he pleaded no contest to an amended charge and was given a suspended sentence. And just a few months later, he was involved in a car chase that ended in a crash. Despite these incidents, Anderson is set to face off against experienced fighter Ryad Merhy on April 15 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In a recent interview, Arum acknowledged Anderson’s mistakes, but also pointed out that many young athletes make similar errors in judgement.

“He’s a young kid, a good-looking kid, and what he did was wrong, racing cars and so forth,” Arum told Kosport Magazine. “But a lot of these kids do that. It’s part of growing up and learning from your mistakes.”

Arum also defended Anderson’s character, stating that his mistakes were “stupid” but not indicative of a larger issue.

“It wasn’t as though he was causing harm to others or committing serious crimes,” Arum continued. “He was just being a typical 23-year-old, making some dumb decisions. But now, with the loss of his driver’s license, he won’t be able to make those mistakes again.”

Despite his recent brushes with the law, Anderson remains a highly talented and promising young boxer. And according to Arum, he has the potential to become a heavyweight champion in the near future.

With a tough test against Ryad Merhy on the horizon, Anderson has the opportunity to prove himself and show that he is more than just his mistakes. And with the guidance of Top Rank and Arum, he has the support and resources to reach his full potential.

So while his recent actions may have raised some concerns, it’s clear that Anderson still has the drive and determination to succeed in the ring. And with time and maturity, he may just become the “next great heavyweight” that Arum believes he can be.