Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings: Betting Tips, Latest Odds and Prediction
The heavyweight boxing division has been dominated by one man for the past decade, with no long-term rivals emerging to challenge Wladimir Klitschko's reign as champion.
Saturday night sees American Bryant Jennings get his chance to cause one of the greatest shocks in the sport's history, as the 39-year-old Ukrainian travels to New York to defend his crown.
Here are the latest odds for the fight, via Oddsshark.com:
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| Wladimir Klitschko | 100-1667 |
| Bryant Jennings | 8-1 |
Klitschko To Equal Joe Louis Title Record
It is rare to see Klitschko travel far to defend his world title, but the champ has made his way to the east coast of the USA to take on Jennings at the historic Madison Square Garden.
Klitschko is in line to cut himself a slice of history if he defeats his opponent on Saturday, equalling the legendary Joe Louis' 18 world-title defences, per Sky Sports. But the challenger feels it is time for a new guard to move in, with Jennings believing he has the beating of the ageing European behemoth:
"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."
But despite having the opportunity to beat Jennings in his own country, and also equal one of the greats in history, Klitschko remains humble and relaxed before the event, and appears to have little trepidation before the big fight, per Sky Sports:
"How long I've been champion, how many title defences I've made—I don't want to compare myself with any of the great heavyweights. I'm still looking up to those guys. They are still icons to me."
Despite closing in on being the wrong side of 40 years old, the champion is still in magnificent shape and is the archetypal heavyweight in the world, with the perfect skill set and technical control.
Jennings' strength is his magnificent reach, allowing him to stay out of range of most fighters, but the champion is unlikely to chase after his opponent if the American takes the defensive route to victory.
Jennings' odds of 8-1 look short, given the task at hand, and the Ukrainian has too much ring knowledge to be picked off by a less experienced boxer with a decent jab.
Also, Jennings has never felt the power of a Klitschko hammer blow, and when he fully feels that force, he is likely to crumble.
Add in the fact that the champ has always had a shrewd defence and it is unlikely he will sustain any noticeable damage with his style of boxing.
Former world champion David Haye, who believes Jennings is "a good fighter," thinks the champion will hold onto his belt and go on to face Tyson Fury:
This is a wonderful opportunity for Jennings but it will be an achievement on its own if he survives until the final bell.
Klitschko will want to impress in front of American boxing fans, and if he steps through the gears, he should make easy work of his opponent.
This fight will be a battle of chess rather than a slugfest—so a points decision in favour of Klitschko is the likely outcome.
Oddschecker.com quote the champ to win on points at 5-1, and this looks like an excellent tip when considering the pre-fight facts.
One heavy punch from Jennings could change the destiny of the fight, but in all likelihood that punch will never land.
Prediction: Klitschko to win on points
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