Wilder: Jennings Not Ready, He's Not on Klitschko's Level

By Jake Donovan

It’s been a long time since all eyes are back on the heavyweights, and it’s no small coincidence that the extra attention comes with the United States enjoying an intimate reunion with boxing’s historically most storied division.

Deontay Wilder became the first American-born fighter since 2007 to own a piece of the heavyweight title following his 12-round virtuoso performance over Bermane Stiverne earlier in this year in Las Vegas. His win was followed by the confirmation of World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko bringing his act back to the states for the first time in seven years, as the longtime divisional king will face unbeaten Bryant Jennings on April 25 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

It is widely believed that Wilder and Klitschko will wind up on a collision course, as both share a common goal – to completely unify the heavyweight division.

Wilder (33-0, 32KOs) has nothing but time to play with, as he rehabs a right hand injury suffered in his win over Stiverne. Klitschko (63-3, 53KOs) still has to get past Jennings (19-0, 10KOs) in order to begin planning for the future, but the newly minted heavyweight titlist doesn’t see that being an issue.

“It’s a no-brainer if you ask me,” Wilder believes of the forthcoming showdown, which will air live on HBO. “Jennings, he ain’t ready for that level. He has no amateur background and he ain’t ever fought anyone that’s on that level. He can’t even punch to be in the heavyweight division.

“I ain’t counting him out. Anytime anyone steps into the ring, you know anything can happen. It’s boxing. But being real, he ain’t on that level. He’s gonna find himself in a situation that he won’t know how to react to.”

Jennings is unbeaten as a pro, but following a hot run in the prospect phase of his career has only recently surfaced at the contender level. A pair of HBO-televised wins over Artur Szpilka and Mike Perez – both unbeaten at the time of their respective fights – helped Jennings advance to the top contender for the title currently in Wilder’s possession.

However, he instead went after the greater glory – and payday – that comes with fighting Klitschko, who has held at least one belt in his second tour as titlist since 2006 and has served as World lineal champion since his June ’09 stoppage win over Ruslan Chagaev.

“Klitschko is just on a whole other level,” Wilder insists. “(Jennings) don’t know what he’s getting himself into.” 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox