Fans filled the gap themselves. On Reddit and other forums, the discussion continues to revolve around the same point. Urgency is lacking. That concern is reinforced by Anderson’s own previous comments about retiring at 27. He’s now 26. The clock is no longer theoretical, and every month without a fight intensifies the question of whether he still wants the grind.
The Kollias battle did not help his cause. Anderson clearly won, but he took clean shots early and never imposed himself. Late in the fight, an odd drive or push sequence made him look irritated and unfocused rather than in control. It felt less like a confident recovery and more like a warrior coming through an assignment.
That impression persisted. The Bakole loss remains the reference point, and the Kollias win did not overwrite it.
Late in 2025, Anderson has been loosely linked with a possible IBF title eliminator against Frank Sanchez. That position eventually went elsewhere, with Richard Torrez Jr. which emerged as the active option. Given Anderson’s recent performances, missing that fight may have been protection rather than misfortune.
He is still promoted by Top Rank. Bob Arum once called him the next great American heavyweight. That line belonged to another phase of his career. The Bakole defeat quickly collapsed that narrative, and nothing has rebuilt it since.
Physically, the tools remain. At 6-foot-4, with natural strength and athleticism, Anderson still looks like a heavyweight who should compete at a high level. What is missing is visible intent. If his route back requires a true knockout against a dangerous opponent, confidence in the outcome is slim.
If Anderson retires tomorrow, it will still surprise people. But the hiatus, the inactivity and the history of early retirement talk have changed how he is seen. Talent was never the question. Desire is now.
