Boxer Jared Anderson on police chase, arrest - 'Lesson learned' - ESPN

Jared Anderson told ESPN he's «beyond blessed… to come away without any injuries» and acknowledged «it was a mistake,» after police said he led them on a 6-plus-mile car chase last month with speeds exceeding 130 mph.

The heavyweight contender was charged with third-degree felony fleeing a police officer in Huron Township, Michigan. His next court date is scheduled for April 15, two days after his ESPN main event against Ryad Merhy in Corpus Christi, Texas.

«Very much an impulse decision,» Anderson said during a Zoom interview. «I'm looked upon by many, whether I like it or not, which I really don't, but… I have to be a better role model.… It's a lesson learned, so just take away from it and keep pushing forward.»

Anderson, 24, is widely considered America's top heavyweight champion hopeful. The boxer from Toledo, Ohio is ESPN's No. 8 heavyweight and coming off his best year yet.

Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) scored a third-round TKO victory over George Arias in April, had a decision win over former titleholder Charles Martin in July and then capped his year with a fifth-round TKO victory over Andriy Rudenko in August.

He has had two run-ins with the law since that fight.

In November, Anderson was arrested in Ohio and charged with improperly handling firearms in a vehicle while knowingly under the influence and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In December, he pleaded no contest to an amended charge of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle while the OVI charge was dropped. Anderson was fined $200 and handed a 180-day suspended sentence at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio contingent on him not committing a similar offense within one year.

On Feb. 29, Anderson allegedly led officers