Michael Anderson headlines, Anthony Johns co-features June 6 in Newark
Newark’s Michael “Slick” Anderson will now headline RDR Promotions’ inaugural Crossroads in Brick City card on June 6 at Prudential Center, with fellow Newark native Anthony “Big Back” Johns moved into the co-feature bout against Mexico’s Angel Geovanny Meza Morales for the vacant IBF North American flyweight title.
Anderson (25-4-1, 19 KOs) will face Nimal Farmer (6-1-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight main event as the veteran puncher gets the opportunity to headline in his hometown for the first time at Prudential Center.
The switch comes after Kristian Prenga, the original headliner, withdrew to face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on July 25 in Saudi Arabia.
Anderson, long one of Newark’s most recognizable local fighters, last fought in November, stopping Tackie Annan in three rounds. Before that, he headlined at the same venue, losing a unanimous decision to Daniel Gonzalez in October of 2024.
Johns (11-1, 6 KOs), who is ranked No. 15 in the IBF Intercontinental rankings, will fight for his first professional title when he faces the rugged Mexican veteran Meza Morales (11-4-3, 7 KOs) in a bout that could move him into contention among the world’s top flyweights.
A 2019 National Golden Gloves champion and four-time winner of both the New Jersey Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves tournaments, Johns has emerged as one of Newark’s top young professionals since turning pro in 2021.
“This is a huge opportunity for me fighting at Prudential Center again in front of my hometown fans,” said Johns. “Winning this title would mean a lot because it’s another step toward becoming a world champion.”
Johns has won five consecutive bouts since suffering a disputed majority decision loss to Argentina’s Misael Ezequiel Graffioli in September 2023.
In his most recent outing, Johns defeated Erick Gutierrez over eight rounds in what was considered the toughest test of his career to date.
Promoter Rodney Rice said featuring both Anderson and Johns prominently on the card reflects his plans to build around Newark-area talent as RDR Promotions establishes itself in North Jersey.
“I’m excited to have Michael Anderson headline our inaugural Prudential Center event and Anthony Johns fighting for a regional title on the same card,” said Rice, a native of Philadelphia. “These are two Newark fighters who have earned major opportunities, and we want this show to represent the strength of boxing in this city.”
Rice added that the June 6 event is intended to be the first of multiple shows in Newark.
“RDR Promotions is proud to join the Newark boxing community,” said Rice. “We plan to continue providing a platform for local fighters and building something consistent here in North Jersey.”
Also scheduled to appear on the card are Paterson’s Norman Neely (17-1, 12 KOs) and unbeaten prospects Famous Wilson (4-0, 2 KOs), Muadh Abdus-Salaam (4-0, 1 KO) and Ibrahima Fofana (2-0, 2 KOs).
Tickets for Crossroads in Brick City are available through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m. More information is available through Prudential Center.