New York, NY, USA - Jared Anderson (17-1, 15 KOs) will make his return to the ring on February 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Anderson is set to face Marios Kollias (12-3-1, 10 KOs), a relatively unknown Greek fighter, in what has been described as a tune-up bout following Anderson’s first professional loss.

The 24-year-old Anderson, hailing from Toledo, Ohio, suffered a devastating defeat on August 3 against Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) in Los Angeles. The Congolese heavyweight, known for his powerful, relentless style reminiscent of George Foreman, overwhelmed Anderson, knocking him down three times before securing a fifth-round stoppage. Anderson had been warned against taking on the rugged and experienced Bakole, but the financial incentive offered by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh was too significant to pass up. The result was a sobering experience for the young prospect, forcing him to reassess his approach to the sport.

The February clash with Kollias represents an opportunity for Anderson to regain his confidence and rebuild momentum. Kollias, a 33-year-old based in Sweden, has had a modest professional career, with his most recent outing resulting in a majority decision loss to Kem Ljungquist in March 2024. While not a high-profile opponent, Kollias presents a manageable challenge for Anderson as he seeks to re-establish his presence in the division.

Anderson’s defeat to Bakole has brought a renewed focus on the need for adjustments in his style and mindset. Known for his emotional temperament, Anderson has shown flashes of brilliance in his career but must now demonstrate resilience and adaptability. Reports suggest that Anderson may continue working with esteemed trainer SugarHill Steward, who could help him refine his approach and address defensive vulnerabilities exposed in his loss.

The Anderson–Kollias fight will be part of a high-profile Valentine’s Day card headlined by Keyshawn Davis as he challenges Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title. The event is expected to draw significant attention, with Anderson’s comeback being a key storyline of the evening. Despite the setback, Anderson remains one of Top Rank’s most promising heavyweights. At just 24 years old, he has time on his side to recover and climb back into contention.