by David P. Greisman - NEW YORK CITY — Coming in, the numbers were on Wladimir Klitschko’s side.
In terms of experience, Klitschko’s 63 professional wins were more than the number of fights Bryant Jennings had been in, combined, in a brief 13-4 amateur campaign and after a 19-0 run as a pro. Even Klitschko’s title fight experience was more than Jennings’ pro experience.
By the end, the numbers would be on Klitschko’s side again, with him winning a unanimous decision over Jennings on the scorecards. But in those 12 rounds, Jennings showed skill and intangibles that helped him give a spirited effort in defeat against the king of the heavyweight division.
Jennings’ head movement left his face relatively unblemished despite 36 minutes against one of boxing’s better jabs, never mind a left hook and right cross renowned for leaving legs wobbled and bodies laid out on the canvas.
His chin held up to the shots that did land. And while many of Klitschko’s soon realize they’re in over their head, Jennings’ heart pushed him to continue trying to challenge the king of the heavyweight division, an opponent who had more experience, more size, more power, and many more fans among the 17,056 in attendance at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.
