United States

Philly Native Bryant Jennings Loses to Wladimir Klitschko in Heavyweight Title Match

Wladimir Klitschko easily outpointed a game-but-outclassed Bryant Jennings in the champion's return to the United States, defending his heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision Saturday night.

Klitschko was in control from the outset in his 18th straight successful defense. His jab and straight right hands kept Jennings from getting inside, and the unbeaten Philly native had little chance of winning from distance.

The overwhelmingly pro-Klitschko crowd of 17,056 roared loudly with every thundering punch by the champ. They chanted Ukrainian slogans when he entered the arena and when the decision was announced: 116-111 on two cards, 118-109 on another.

The AP had it 118-109.

Klitschko's last U.S. fight was right here at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 23, 2008, when he easily won over Sultan Ibragimov, who also was undefeated at the time. This was his fourth Garden bout, and it seemed as if he was in fighting in Kiev with all the support.

With Jennings still standing in the middle rounds and beginning to land some punches, the Americans in the crowd began shouting "U-S-A, U-S-A." But the Philadelphian never really had a chance and was outpunched 545-376, with 144 landing for Klitschko, 110 for the challenger.

Klitschko is 64-3 and has held a heavyweight belt for nearly a decade. Jennings is 19-1.

Klitschko has won 21 straight bouts, and tied Joe Louis with 27 total heavyweight championship fights. He is 25-2 in those, while Louis was 26-1.

The low point for the 39-year-old Klitschko came in the 10th round, when he was penalized a point for holding. Jennings complained before the fight about that tactic, and referee Mike Griffin paid attention.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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