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Bryant Jennings

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bryant Jennings
Jennings in 2013
Born (1984-09-25) September 25, 1984 (age 40)
Other namesBy-By
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Reach84 in (213 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights29
Wins25
Wins by KO14
Losses4

Bryant Jennings (born September 25, 1984) is an American former professional boxer. He challenged once for the unified world heavyweight titles in 2015, and the WBA interim heavyweight title in the same year. Jennings holds notable wins over former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich, as well as former world title contenders Mike Perez and Artur Szpilka.

Amateur career

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Jennings had an amateur record of 13–4 including a win over future UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. He reached the finals of the 2009 National Golden Gloves tournament, losing by decision to veteran Lenroy Thompson.[1]

Professional career

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Early career

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Jennings made his professional debut on February 26, 2010. He beat Zeferino Albino by unanimous decision over four rounds. He went on the knock out Jon Bolden in three rounds and then rematched Albino on April 30, this time he knocked Albino in the first round. He went on to beat Bernell Stewart and Randy Smith in 2010.

Jennings first fight of 2011 was on the February 26. He beat Theron Johnson by unanimous decision. He next fought David Williams, who he knocked out in two rounds. On 4 June he beat Mike Miller by unanimous decision. On July 23 he rematched Theron Johnson, again beating him by unanimous decision. Jennings fought twice more in 2011, beating Alexis Mejias and Kevin Franklin.

Jennings's first fight of 2012 was a ten-round bout against Maurice Byarm on January 21 at the Asylum Arena in South Philadelphia on the NBC Sports Network Fight Night opening card. Jennings won the bout by unanimous decision to claim the Pennsylvania State heavyweight title.[2]

On March 24, 2012, he faced former WBO heavyweight champion Siarhei Liakhovich. The fight took place at Aviator Sports Complex, Brooklyn, New York and was televised on NBC Sports.[3] Jennings controlled the fight with his jab and power punches. He won the fight after Liakhovich retired at the end of round nine.[4] Jennings then faced Steve Collins (25-1) on June 16, 2012, at the Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. The fight was co-main event as part of NBC Sports Fight Night event, including Tomasz Adamek vs. Eddie Chambers. He won by unanimous decision after ten rounds to claim the USBA heavyweight title.[5] Jennings went on to fight two more times in 2012, knocking out Chris Koval in 35 seconds. Then stopping Bowie Tupou in five rounds to retain his USBA heavyweight title.[6]

Jennings fought once in 2013, on June 14, stopping Andrey Fedosov in six rounds after Fedosov did not come out for the seventh.

On January 25, 2014, Jennings fought Polish heavyweight, Artur Szpilka, at the Madison Square Garden. Jennings knocked out Szpilka in the tenth round. Jennings's next fight was against highly ranked contender Mike Perez, on July 26, 2014. He beat Perez by a close fought split decision to earn a title shot as No.1 ranked contender and mandatory challenger, for the WBC title.

Jennings later signed with promoters Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard after buying out his existing agreement with Russell Peltz.

World title challenge

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Jennings vs. Klitschko

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Jennings faced heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko on April 25, 2015, in Madison Square Garden for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, The Ring, and lineal heavyweight titles.[7] Klitschko won the fight due to his effective use of his jab and hard right cross keeping Jennings at bay, Klitschko won via unanimous decision with two judges scoring it 116–111 and the final judge scoring it 118–109.[8]

Jennings vs. Ortiz

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On December 19, 2015, Jennings faced undefeated Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz, for the WBA interim heavyweight title. Jennings lost the fight by technical knockout in the seventh round after he was dropped by a left uppercut from Ortiz, who then continued to land heavy shots before the referee stepped in to stop the fight.[9]

Comeback

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After not fighting for over a year following the Ortiz loss, Jennings signed with Top Rank.[10] Jennings returned to the ring on August 19, 2017, against journeyman Daniel Martz on the undercard of Terence Crawford vs. Julius Indongo. He knocked out Martz in the second round. He next fought on December 9, 2017, at the Madison Square Garden, on the undercard of Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux. Where he knocked out Don Haynesworth in three rounds. His first fight of 2018 was against Akhror Muralimov on February 16. He knocked out Muralimov in the third round. Jennings's next fight took place on April 28, 2018, where he beat Joey Dawejko by unanimous decision over ten rounds.

Jennings vs. Dimitrenko

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On June 27, 2018, it was announced that Jennings would take on German heavyweight contender Alexander Dimitrenko in a twelve-round main event on August 18, 2018, at the Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey. He won by technical knockout in the ninth round. This was a highly criticized stoppage with Dimitrenko even saying he was "still able to fight" and that "we are not children" [11] [citation needed]

Jennings vs. Rivas

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In his next fight, Jennings faced Oscar Rivas, ranked #10 at heavyweight by the IBF.[12] Jennings outboxed Rivas thourghout most of the fight, however, Rivas, knowing only a knockout could bring him the win, came out swinging in the last round and managed to TKO Jennings after dropping him twice in a row.[13]

Jennings vs. Joyce

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In his following fight, Jennings faced Joe Joyce, who was ranked #14 by the WBC at the time.[14] Jennings was the better man in the first round, but after that Joyce took control and dominated through most of the fight. Many observers scored several Rounds for Jennings who seemed to land cleaner shots in some moments for them. Joyce won the fight on all three judges' scorecards, 118–109, 117-110 and 115–112. According to some observers the Scores did not reflect the tough test brought by Jennings.[15]

Personal life

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Jennings is Muslim,[16] and has been a vegan since August 2013.[17][18]

Professional boxing record

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28 fights 24 wins 4 losses
By knockout 14 2
By decision 10 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
28 Loss 24–4 United Kingdom Joe Joyce UD 12 Jul 13, 2019 United Kingdom The O2 Arena, London, England
27 Loss 24–3 Colombia Óscar Rivas TKO 12 (12), 0:54 Jan 18, 2019 United States Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York, U.S. Lost IBF International and WBO–NABO heavyweight titles;
For NABF heavyweight title
26 Win 24–2 Germany Alexander Dimitrenko TKO 9 (12), 1:56 Aug 18, 2018 United States Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Won IBF International and vacant WBO–NABO heavyweight titles
25 Win 23–2 United States Joey Dawejko UD 10 Apr 28, 2018 United States Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Won vacant Pennsylvania heavyweight title
24 Win 22–2 Uzbekistan Akhror Muralimov TKO 3 (8), 1:12 Feb 16, 2018 United States Grand Sierra Resort Grand Theatre, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
23 Win 21–2 United States Don Haynesworth TKO 3 (8), 2:29 Dec 9, 2017 United States The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
22 Win 20–2 United States Daniel Martz TKO 2 (8), 2:18 Aug 19, 2017 United States Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
21 Loss 19–2 Cuba Luis Ortiz TKO 7 (12), 2:41 Dec 19, 2015 United States Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S. For WBA interim heavyweight title
20 Loss 19–1 Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko UD 12 Apr 25, 2015 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. For WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles
19 Win 19–0 Cuba Mike Perez SD 12 Jul 26, 2014 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Poland Artur Szpilka TKO 10 (10), 2:20 Jan 25, 2014 United States The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Russia Andrey Fedosov RTD 6 (10), 3:00 Jun 14, 2013 United States Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Tonga Bowie Tupou TKO 5 (12), 1:37 Dec 8, 2012 United States McGonigle Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained IBF–USBA heavyweight title
15 Win 15–0 United States Chris Koval TKO 1 (8), 0:35 Sep 8, 2012 United States Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 United States Steve Collins UD 10 Jun 16, 2012 United States Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Won vacant IBFUSBA heavyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Belarus Siarhei Liakhovich RTD 9 (10), 3:00 Mar 24, 2012 United States Aviator Sports and Events Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 United States Maurice Byarm UD 10 Jan 21, 2012 United States Asylum Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Won vacant Pennsylvania heavyweight title
11 Win 11–0 United States Kevin Franklin TKO 1 (6), 1:51 Nov 19, 2011 United States Bally's, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Puerto Rico Alexis Mejias UD 6 Sep 9, 2011 United States Asylum Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 United States Theron Johnson UD 6 Jul 23, 2011 United States Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 United States Mike Miller UD 4 Jun 4, 2011 United States The Hamilton Manor, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 United States David Williams TKO 2 (6), 3:00 Apr 23, 2011 United States Circus Maximus Showroom, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 United States Theron Johnson UD 6 Feb 26, 2011 United States Bally's, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 United States Randy Smith TKO 2 (4), 2:18 Dec 9, 2010 United States Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 United States Bernell Stewart UD 4 Jul 30, 2010 United States South Philly Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 United States Zeferino Albino TKO 1 (4), 2:59 Apr 30, 2010 United States South Philly Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Jon Bolden KO 3 (4), 3:06 Apr 2, 2010 United States The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Zeferino Albino UD 4 Feb 26, 2010 United States South Philly Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

References

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  1. ^ "Sheika vs Wilson: Bryant Jennings added to the card". Boxing Scene. April 14, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  2. ^ Rafael, Dan (January 21, 2012). "Bryant Jennings wins decision". ESPN. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  3. ^ "Liakhovich-Jennings, Adamek Added To Judah-Paris - Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. 14 February 2012. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  4. ^ "Bryant Jennings". BoxRec.com. 1984-09-25. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  5. ^ "Bryant Jennings Dominates Steve Collins Over Ten - Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. 16 June 2012. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  6. ^ "Vitali stops Charr, other heavies position for post-Klitschko era | RingTV". Archived from the original on 2012-09-13. Retrieved 2012-09-25.
  7. ^ Rafael, Dan (20 January 2015). "Jennings to take on Klitschko". ESPN. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  8. ^ Graham, Bryan Armen (2015-04-26). "Wladimir Klitschko shows he's slowing down in victory over Bryant Jennings". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  9. ^ Lance Pugmire (October 21, 2015). "Unbeaten Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz to fight Bryant Jennings on Dec. 19". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 22, 2015.
  10. ^ "Top Rank signs former heavyweight title challenger Bryant Jennings". Espn.com.au. 20 June 2017. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
  11. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Bryant Jennings wins by TKO over Alexander Dimitrenko with huge uppercut | ESPN. YouTube.
  12. ^ "Jennings vs Rivas - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 2021-09-02.
  13. ^ Christ, Scott (2019-01-18). "Oscar Rivas shocks Bryant Jennings with 12th round TKO". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2021-09-02.
  14. ^ "Joyce vs Jennings - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 2021-09-02.
  15. ^ Donovan, Jake (13 July 2019). "Joe Joyce Forced To Go Distance, Decisions Bryant Jennings". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2021-09-02.
  16. ^ @BYJennings (25 February 2017). "I'm a Muslim, young, black, inspiring, vegan, determined man living in America. How is that even possible. Leave it up to them it isn't!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Lillis, Steve (April 22, 2015). "10 random facts about Bryant Jennings". BoxNation. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  18. ^ Fitzsimmons, Lyle (December 17, 2015). "Meet Bryant Jennings: The Vegan Gunning to Be Heavyweight Champion". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Brian Minto
Pennsylvania
heavyweight champion

January 21, 2012 – May 2015
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Amir Mansour
Vacant
Title last held by
Maurice Harris
USBA heavyweight champion
June 16, 2012 – August 2013
Vacated
Vacant
Title last held by
Amir Mansour
Pennsylvania
heavyweight champion

April 28, 2018 – present
Incumbent
Preceded by IBF International
heavyweight champion

August 18, 2018 – January 18, 2019
Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Jean Pierre Augustin
WBONABO
heavyweight champion

August 18, 2018 – January 18, 2019