Anderson, Ramirez and Vianello score TKO victories in boxing’s return

Jared Anderson made the most of his opportunity as the co-headliner at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, as he scored a third-round TKO of Johnnie Langston. Anderson, a young heavyweight from Toledo, Ohio, was given an elevated spot on this card after featherweight Mikaela Mayer was pulled from the card after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

For the first time in his career, Anderson went beyond the first round. Though he seemed a tad overeager in the early rounds, throwing one hard punch after another, Anderson eventually relaxed and wore down Langston (8-3, 3 KOs).

“It was amazing, I was happy to finally get in a couple more rounds, get a little more experience,” Anderson said. “I know what it’s like to get that much into a fight. So it’s a great feeling.”

Consistent body blows were key in softening up Langston in the second round. In the third, Anderson (4-0, 4 KOs) fought almost exclusively as a left-hander and battered Langston with a two-fisted attack. Referee Jay Nady waved off the fight at 1:55 of the round.

Anderson’s body punches were impressive.

“Just being around great fighters — Keyshawn Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Albert Bell … just a lot of good fighters. They always go to the body, got great body work, so they just showed me a lot.

Bob Arum says that Anderson was the “unsung hero” of the Tyson Fury camp, as he helped him prepare for the rematch with Deontay Wilder earlier this year. Many believe Anderson is the premier American heavyweight prospect.

“I stay humble, I keep working, I do the best I can, listen to my coaches, and just keep being great,” Anderson said.

Vianello defeats Haynesworth

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Heavyweight prospect Guido Vianello earns the technical knockout win over Donald Haynesworth in Round 1.

Heavyweight prospect Guido Vianello scored his seventh stoppage in as many fights by halting Donald Haynesworth in the first round. After a relatively measured start, the Italian boxer’s chopping, overhand right sent Haynesworth to the canvas.

Haynesworth (16-4-1, 14 KOs) was able to get up, but referee Jay Nady didn’t like what he was seeing from him and waved off the fight at 2:16 of the first round.

After training under the direction of Abel Sanchez for the first four bouts of his career, Vianello (7-0, 7 KOs) is now working with Kevin Barry.

“In the gym, I try to work every day on my right hand, and I’ve been trying to do more with my jab,” Vianello said. “I try to change my distance, go up and down with my jab, and I try every day to strengthen my right hand.

“Italy needs to come back after the virus, and I love Italy, so I fight for my country. I’ll stay here, and I’ll try to fight all summer. Maybe July, August — I’ll do two fights, and then I’ll go back to my family.”

Cash wins technical decision