Fight week got started in New York this afternoon as long reigning World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, 63-3 (53KO’s), faced unbeaten challenger Bryant Jennings, 19-0 (10KO’s), in their final formal media obligation in Madison Square Garden.
Both fighters conducted themselves with confidence, class and respect, something, which has typified the build up to a fight that has accepted its position as the entrée to the biggest event in boxing history.
This class cannot be extended to the continued delusion of gate crasher Shannon Briggs, who ludicrously turned up at the proceedings as incoherent and as annoying as ever.
The unified World champion Klitschko was in confident mood, eager to ensure the watching ensemble were aware of his intentions to continue where he left off with Kubrat Pulev – who the Ukrainian demolished in 5 rounds.
He is here to entertain the fans, on a mission to lead a budding heavyweight revival that would see the tide change in years to come and return the division to the pinnacle to the sport.
It must be noted that ringside seats are still on sale for the event, so an intervention of the explosive kind is much needed.
“Thank you to every fan that is going to attend and bought the tickets.” Said Klitschko. “I just want to tell everyone who is going to be in the arena, as much energy I feel from my challenger, I am positive that this fight and this small ring, which is the smallest ring in boxing is going to be really entertaining and really exciting.
“I am aware of the capability of my opponent and his athleticism, I know he is going to challenge and be challenged at every second. So, it is not going to be a wasting of money for the fans, who have bought the tickets and the people who will watch on HBO.“
It’s 15 years since Klitschko made his bow at the Mecca of boxing on the Lennox Lewis v Michael Grant undercard – stopping David Bostice in 2 – and was full of praise for the venue that has stuck by the Klitschko brothers throughout their career.
Bryant Jennings will be keen to ensure he doesn’t suffer the same fate as his countryman and was full of his customary confidence and assurance when he took the stand first, displaying a more bullish demeanour than we have seen before.
“How much more talking can I do?” Said Jennings. “Everyone know what I do, everyone know what we do. April 25th is history, it’s history for me, it’s history for Philadelphia, all of my supporters, it’s history for my team and everyone that is involved with Bryant Jennings.”
The Philadelphian has put in the hard work and is as ready as he is ever going to be, his conditioning and his capabilities to make the seemingly impossible, possible on the night beyond question – in his mind at least.
If Jennings stays true to his word and takes the fight to Klitschko, the fans could be in for a treat. One thing is for sure, there was no fear in his words as he eyed up the champion and addressed him directly.
“I felt your charm last time we was up here, I felt your manipulation, you remind me of myself. So, I respect everything, I do respect you as a man and I do respect you as a fighter, but come April 25th its going the fuck down.” Claimed Jennings.
The sentiments of both fighters are music to my ears, we might just have two committed heavyweight fighters, eager to appease the fans and produce fireworks. This is all theory at this point, but heavyweight boxing needs explosions and drama and we can only hope for that to play out at the perfect venue Saturday night.
