Jared Anderson’s silence begins to speak volumes

The fans themselves filled the void. On Reddit and other forums, the discussion continues to revolve around the same point. The urgency is lacking. This concern is amplified by Anderson’s past comments about retiring at 27. He is 26 now. The clock is no longer theoretical, and each month without a fight sharpens the question of whether he still wants the job.

The Kollias fight didn’t help his case. Anderson clearly won, but he hit clean shots early on and never asserted himself. Later in the fight, a strange stumble or pushing sequence left him looking irritated and unfocused rather than in control. It felt less like a confident reset and more like a fighter completing a mission.

This impression persisted. Bakole’s defeat remains the benchmark, and Kollias’ victory did not crush him.

In late 2025, Anderson was vaguely linked to a possible IBF title eliminator against Frank Sanchez. That position was eventually moved elsewhere, with Richard Torrez Jr. becoming the active option. Given Anderson’s recent performances, missing this fight could have been a protection rather than a misfortune.

He is still promoted by Top Rank. Bob Arum once called him the next great American heavyweight. This line belonged to another phase of his career. Bakole’s defeat quickly collapsed this narrative, and nothing since has reconstructed it.

Physically, the tools remain. At 6-foot-4, with natural power and athleticism, Anderson still looks like a heavyweight who should compete at a high level. What is missing is visible intention. If his path back requires a true eliminator against a dangerous opponent, confidence in the outcome is slim.

If Anderson retired tomorrow, it would still surprise people. But the pause, the inactivity and the history of talk about early retirement have changed the way it is perceived. Talent was never a question. The desire is now.