Klitschko is not just looking past Bryant Jennings (19-0) but he has grand plans to rewrite the record books. At this stage the Ukrainian has 17 consecutive title defenses ranking third behind Larry Holmes with 19 pops and Joe Louis in a league of his own with 25 straight wins at the top. Dr. Steelhammer will tie one of Louis’s achievements – 27 title bouts- the moment he sets foot in the ring tomorrow night at the Garden to defend his 4 titles against Jennings.
“As long as I have the motivation and health, I’ll do it. I don’t feel old, or bad, or slow.” said the confident champion. At the last press conference prior to his fight with Jennings, Wladimir acted out of character and did some brash talking giving the media and fans a little more food for comments. Ever the gentleman, he never talks trash and he found some balance in dismissing the up comers but paying his respect to the legends form the past, saying: “I am still looking up to those guys.
They are still icons to me”. He is back on the US market after a long absence and he realizes he needs to meet the demand for controversy, bravado and provocation but he is careful not to hurt anybody’s feelings. His clean-cut image still sets him apart from the greatest attractions in the sport and it is not marketing stunts but character and behavior differences with the wild crowd favorites that matter. Somehow I can’t imagine Chisora spitting a mouthful of water on Tyson’s or Roberto Duran’s face and getting away with it. The gentleman showed self control and did the right thing to save event and the revenue but lost the macho factor that could have made him much more money in the long run.
Bryant Jennings is the WBA runner up but actually just a formal step for Klitschko towards a WBC title fight which the older brother Vitali relinquished and this trophy still evades the dominator. Deontay Wilder may not have long left to enjoy his position as the WBC is “unification-friendly” and may not bat an eyelash in sanctioning a fight with Wlad although Povetkin is the WBC mandatory. Klitschko is too professional to underestimate anybody so he will be at his bet against Jennings who believes his youth is an advantage. At 39 years of age Wladimir is no spring chicken but his scientific training methods and clean living might extend his career enough to set newl records. Aspiring heavyweights who are holding their breath for him to retire and let loose the strangle hold on the division may have to find out the hard way how old is really old for a heavyweight today.
