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Bryant Jennings' Simple Message at Presser: I Matter
Feb 4, 2015 • 3:02 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
While heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko arrived in a smart-looking suit, unbeaten contender Bryant Jennings was comfortable in a graphic T-shirt and casual wear during Wednesday’s press conference in New York City.
The two will collide April 25 live on HBO at Madison Square Garden, marking the first heavyweight championship fight in New York City in more than seven years – the last being Klitschko’s unification bout with Sultan Ibragimov in the very same venue in Feb. ’08.
That night also served as the last time Klitschko fought stateside, taking his act overseas for his past 13 fights – all but two having taken place in Germany. Despite the hulking Ukrainian fighting only sparingly in the United States in recent years, the current promotion is all about his triumphant return to this side of the world. The April 25 defense marks his fourth fight at Madison Square Garden, and the eighth promotion hosted here by K2 Promotions.
Jennings will fight on MSG property for the third straight time. Despite his serving as one of a very small handful of capable American heavyweights, the articulate Philly product has yet to receive his fair share of shine. His forced to take a backseat in this current promotion brings to light the simple message read across his T-shirt – “I MATTER.”
Given its font and layout structure, its meaning could be a play on the “Black Lives Matter” awareness campaign in light of African-American lives being snatched at an alarming rate, particularly at the hands of the law. The message is equally fitting for this fight, as Jennings certainly does matter given his natural athleticism and fighting skill set against a 38-year old World champion who’s barely been tested since reclaiming a belt way back in 2006.
The lack of attention has yet to get to Jennings, nor will it likely rate in his world. The 30-year old contender is used to having to punch a hole through the wall to get others to notice.
“This is the moment I have been waiting for,” Jennings (19-0, 10KOs) said of his upcoming opportunity. “Now it’s time to bring the belts home.”
Deontay Wilder became the first American to claim any portion of the heavyweight title with his lopsided win over Bermane Stiverne last month in Las Vegas. The last American heavyweight to claim the World lineal championship was Hasim Rahman following his shocking knockout win over Lennox Lewis in April ’01. The reign was short-lived, conceding the crown to Lewis in their Nov. ’01 rematch.
The last undefeated American fighter to serve as the World lineal heavyweight champion was Michael Moorer, way back in April ’94 following his upset points win over Evander Holyfield.
Jennings enters his first title fight as a pro. Klitschko attempts to defend his World championship for the 11th time, and the 18th defense of at least one title. The April 25th show will mark his 20th career appearance on HBO; Jennings will fight on the network for the third straight time, all three taking place on MSG property.
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
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
