Wladimir Klitschko has been dominant in the heavyweight division for 9 years, since defeating Chris Byrd by a 7th round technical knockout for the IBF and IBO titles in Germany on April 22nd 2006. He currently has the second-longest heavyweight title reign in history, trailing only Joe Louis, whose title reign lasted 11 years, 8 months and 8 days.
Klitschko has successfully defended his heavyweight title 17 times, the third-most ever behind Joe Louis (25) and Larry Holmes (20).
On April 25th 2015, the undisputed champion Klitschko (63-3-0, 53 KOs) will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against undefeated American contender Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) at Madison Square Garden, Klitschko's first fight in the U.S. since a unanimous decision win over Sultan Ibragimov at the same venue in February 2008. (Klitschko will also equal Louis’ record of 27 heavyweight title fights versus Jennings).
Jennings, since turning pro in 2010, has risen up the heavyweight rankings and earned his title shot after a split decision victory against Mike Perez in July 2014. Despite giving up three inches in height, Jennings holds a three-inch reach advantage, which could help his chances. It is obviously going to be a very tough task for the underdog Jennings going up against an all-time great who has had more title fights than the number of bouts Jennings has had in his entire pro career.
“Everybody has some weaknesses, and there is a blueprint to beat everybody,” Jennings said. “I will have to be at my best. This is heavyweight boxing, where it only takes one punch,” he added.
Should Klitschko go on to complete victory as expected, then up next for him is a potential big fight with either the WBO mandatory challenger Tyson Fury (24-0, 18 KOs), or the WBC champion Deontay Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs).
Source: DSG
