Aiden Anderson, a junior at Carter High School, is the top-ranked 143-pound amateur boxer in Texas, aiming for national recognition.
He’s got a unique style, throwing uppercuts that catch opponents off guard. “I hit you with it, you woke up!” he says with a grin. Just last week, he celebrated his 17th birthday, and at 16, he clinched a Silver Gloves boxing title. Now, he’s ranked No. 1 in Texas for his 143-pound weight class and No. 2 in the nation.
Boxing has been a great outlet for Aiden. “I get to let all my anger out,” he shares. His dad, Ju, recalls how Aiden was often in trouble at school for fights, but he insists Aiden never started them. “People used to mess with me a lot, especially when I got glasses,” Aiden remembers.
Ju, who also coaches him, took Aiden to Maple Ave. Boxing and Fitness in Dallas to channel that energy positively. Over the past three years, Aiden has dedicated himself to the sport and dreams of going pro one day. “I want to be the next biggest in Dallas, or really, around the world!” he says confidently.
Those kids who teased him about his glasses? They don’t bother him anymore. “No,” Aiden laughs, while Ju chuckles beside him. “We joke a lot. A lot! Probably too much,” Ju adds. Aiden is gearing up for his next fight in February at a Golden Gloves amateur tournament. If he wins, or as Ju puts it, WHEN he wins, he’ll be ranked No. 1 in the country for his weight class.
