World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko makes his first appearance in the United States since 2008 when he faces Bryant Jennings in New York on Saturday night.
The Ukrainian superstar has enjoyed a 10-year title reign at the top of boxing’s glamour division but will now put his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts on the line against the undefeated Jennings at the legendary Madison Square Garden live on BoxNation.
The bout is also set to have high interest in Britain with Manchester heavyweight Tyson Fury mandated to fight the winner later this year.
Overcoming Jennings will be no easy task for 39-year-old Klitschko, with the Philadelphian - who has a three-inch reach advantage - hoping to become the first unified American heavyweight champion in more than 13 years.
After building up an unbeaten record of 19 straight wins, 10 coming by way of knockout, Jennings is confident that he can finally become the man to dethrone Klitschko, who has won 63 fights, 53 by knockout, with only three losses – the last coming over a decade ago.
“I do have great respect for Bryant Jennings and his achievements. He has good movement in the ring and good technique. I know this will be a tough challenge,” said Klitschko, who will match Joe Louis in boxing's record books by being involved in his 27th heavyweight title fight.
"As long as I have motivation and health, I'll do it. I don't feel old, or bad, or slow. What could be cooler, or better, than to be the best man on the planet and beating up people for a living?"
“I am extremely happy to fight in New York City again. I had my first unification fight there and a lot of great heavyweight matches have taken place at Madison Square Garden. It will definitely be a great fight night and I will do everything for it from my side.
"I am positive that this fight in this small ring, which is the smallest ring in boxing, 18ft, is going to be really entertaining and really exciting and I'm aware of the capabilities of my opponent and his athleticism and know that he can last for 12 rounds and I know that he's going to challenge and be challenged at every second,"
Jennings has been in equally buoyant mood ahead of the fight and said: “On April 25 history will definitely be made and it will be made by me. One of us has to lose and it isn’t going to be me. Enough of the talking, I’m ready to fight.
"My first edge is youth. Youth is always an edge that you can't deny. Speed. Speed is an edge. These are things that are obvious.
“I’m quite sure he’s overlooking me,” said Jennings. “Me? I never do that. I don’t think past the first bell.”