Last night at New York’s Madison Square Garden, world heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko won a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Bryant Jennings in a match that may have been closer than the judges cards of 118-109. 116-111 and 116-111.
For Klitschko, it was a successful return to the United States after being away from fighting there for more than seven years. That last bout, against Sultan Ibragimov was a real sleeper, but this match with Jennings was more of a crowd pleaser. In the early going, Klitschko did what he always does, and that is methodically control the distance to launch his jab. Jennings did well taking them, using good head movement to protect himself, and he escaped the fight with his face generally unscathed.
In the middle rounds, Jennings seemed to break through, scoring with body shots and in general affecting Klitschko’s game plan. It took Wlad a few rounds to re-establish control of the fight, but in the end the judges saw the fight his way. Jennings appeared to work hard in the 10th trying to take advantage of a point deduction to Klitschko for excessive hugging, but the judges gave the round to Klitschko, scoring 9-9 in the final tally and not the 10-8 Jennings so hoped for.
Jennings deserves credit for the fight, and his stock should rise even in defeat. Jennings had a brief amateur career and combined with his 19 professional fights leading into this match, his total experience did not add up to Klitschko’s professional experience. In fact, Jennings first picked up the gloves six years ago, meaning when Klitschko was last here facing Ibragimov in a world title fight, Jennings had not even laced up gloves. After the bout, Jennings said he did not agree with how wide the margin was on the judge’s cards and called for a re-match.
In response, Klitschko spoke about his mandatory obligations such as facing IBF challenger Tyson Fury. The Fury-Klitschko fight will almost certainly take place in a European venue, though WBC Champion Deontay Wilder could spur another Klitschko return to the United States. Though Jennings is not in the immediate plans, Jennings did show that he is a player in the heavyweight division.
