NEW YORK – Wladimir Klitschko outboxed a game but limited Bryant Jennings in the Ukrainian champion’s first United States fight in seven years, and he succeeded in defending his five heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision on April 25. The world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden sounded and felt like Kyiv, Ukraine. It was Klitschko’s fourth Garden bout and, despite a long absence, the venue seemed comfortable and familiar.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko (left) helps his brother, Wladimir Klitschko, during warm-ups prior to the fight.
The 39-year-old champ did not overpower his challenger, but was in total control from the opening bell in his 18th consecutive successful title defense. The pro-Klitschko crowd of 17,056 cheered loudly with every thundering punch, while lavishing cheers and chants on his older brother, former champion and current Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, who helped warm up the winner prior to the fight.
The crowd chanted Ukrainian slogans when the decision was announced: two cards scored 116-111, the third scored 118-109. Klitschko was docked a point in the 10th round for holding.
Jennings was outpunched 545-376. Klitschko landed 144 punches, as compared to 110 for the challenger from Philadelphia. Klitschko is now 64-3, owning a heavyweight belt for nearly 10 years. Jennings is 19-1. Klitschko has won 21 straight bouts and is tied with Joe Louis with 27 total heavyweight fights; his record is 25-2 in those, while Louis’ was 26-1.
The first-round start was vital for Klitschko, keeping Jennings so off balance that the challenger had lost his technique and was forced to throw some wild punches. None came close to landing. Klitschko’s primary weapons were his sharp jab and straight right hand. He landed more than 90 jabs and rocked Jennings with a bruising right-left combination in the fourth round.
Jennings fought defensively over the first third of the fight, holding his gloves high over his face, only occasionally going on the offensive. In the middle third of the 12-round battle, the American showed aggression, cutting Klitschko under his left eye. The Ukrainian countered with combinations, following his left jab with a dangerous right. The final seconds saw Klitschko land a solid right hand.
Two other undefeated Americans are out there to potentially challenge Klitschko: Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder may be on the horizon. The champion is very popular in Europe, where he staged all of his fights since he was last booked at the Garden. The next title defense may return to Germany, although there is the strong allure to New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
“I feel great to be back after a seven-year break,” Klitschko said in a post-fight press conference. “Fans from all over the world also love to come to the [United] States and see the fight at the Garden. It was a great experience.”