SONAHR: April 26, 2015 – Wladimir Klitschko stowed another successful title defense under his belt ? make that belts, plural ? on Saturday with a clear-cut unanimous decision over challenger Bryant Jennings of Philadelphia at storied Madison Square Garden. On the judges? scorecards, which read 116-112 twice and 118-109, it looked like another easy win for the IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion. In the ring, however, this fight was far more difficult than Klitschko?s previous bout, a five-round blowout of Kubrat Pulev last year.
At 19-0 (10 KOs) coming into the contest, Jennings was a relative novice. Thus, he was a decided underdog. Then again, Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, also sported a 19-0 record when he upset formidable champion Sonny Liston back in 1964.
Jennings did not channel Ali on Saturday. However, he was able to use lateral movement to, at times, foil the 6?7? Klitschko?s reach advantage. Jennings also evoked the famed body attack of a fellow Philadelphia fighter ? Joe Frazier ? in his spirited attempt to take Klitschko?s titles. Plus which, Jennings was able to withstand heavy blows of the type that had caused Pulev to collapse in a heap.
The American?s combination of skill and grit forced Klitschko to revert to the technically proficient but fan-unfriendly style that has dampened his popularity outside his European stomping grounds. He often clutched and leaned on his smaller opponent, prompting the referee to deduct a point from the champion and the crowd to boo. The performance was reminiscent of Wladimir?s last appearance at the Garden eight years ago, which resulted in an ugly points verdict over then-WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov.
However, Jennings was much more effective than Ibragimov had been. Bryant landed blows that shook the Ukrainian in a way that hasn?t been seen since Samuel Peter floored him three times while losing a decision more than a decade ago. Wladimir didn?t go down this time ? but he looked vulnerable, and if Bryant had possessed more crunch in his punch, he might have pulled off an upset. As it was, Bryant?s performance positioned him as a major player in the post-Klitschko era of heavyweight boxing.
And make no mistake ? the end of Klitschko dominance is coming soon. Klitschko?s brother and fellow champion Vitali retired in 2013, and Wladimir is now 39. He?s still the best heavyweight walking, but these days he?s fighting to make history along with money. The Jennings fight was his 23rd successful defense over two championship reigns, second only to Joe Louis?s 25. Three more wins will break that record, although perhaps with an asterisk because Louis compiled his defenses over a single 12-year, undisputed title tenure.
Also, Klitschko surely hankers to add the WBC belt ? once held by his brother, and now by Deontay Wilder ? to his collection, which would make him the first champion since Lennox Lewis to hold all four major sanctioning organizations? titles. If Wladimir unifies the heavyweight championship and breaks Louis?s record, he will have no worlds left to conquer, and will retire certain to be voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame the first year he is eligible.
Following his destruction of Pulev, Klitschko looked invincible. In the wake of his struggle with Jennings ? not so much. Two exciting young fighters, Wilder and Tyson Fury, are now waiting in the wings. The long-moribund heavyweight division is coming alive. The former flagship of boxing is once again raising its banner.
Charles R. Saunders is the author of several books including Sweat and Soul: The Saga of Black Boxers in the Maritimes from the Halifax Forum to Caesars Palace, as well as the Imaro series of fantasy/adventure novels. Considered by many to be one of the leading authorities on boxing in Canada, he is the current Vice-President of Boxing for the Society of North American Sports Historians and Researchers. His novels, Imaro, Damballa, and Abengoni: First Calling are available at Amazon.com.
