Jared Anderson just drilled Andriy Rudenko in the fifth round of a heavyweight fight Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The victory was a significant one for Anderson, as he returns to knockout form having gone the distance with Charles Martin on July 1.
"I was sending a statement to myself," he said after the win.
Anderson landed 141 of his 279 shots over five rounds for an impressive success rate of 50.5%.
72 of those shots were to the body which, according to Compubox data sent to ProBox TV, sets a new career high for Anderson.
Anderson's jabbing, his ability to throw punches in bunches, and his general onslaught on Rudenko showed a fighter still making solid improvements as he moves from prospect to contender.
Anderson raised eyebrows before the fight when he said he fights for money more than legacy, and he seemed to address any critics in his post-match victory speech.
"I’m fighting for myself, and I’m fighting for my family," he said.
"As much as people want to hate on me for it, I’m a realist. I’m going to stay real and be real. And I’m going to say what’s on my mind. Ya’ll can take it how ya’ll want. This is a business. This is a sport. I’m just doing my job. Take it how you want.
"You can’t force me to be somebody ya’ll want me to be. I’m going to be myself. And I’m going to be that till the end.”
Victory advanced Anderson's pro boxing record to 16 wins (15 KOs). He remains unbeaten.
