Wladimir Klitschko vs Bryant Jennings - boxing on TV this weekend
All the action on your screens this weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dirrell vs Jack, Friday night 2.00am, Sky Sports 1
The first of two live boxing cards this weekend emanates from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago as Anthony Dirrell defends his WBC super middleweight title against Badou Jack.
27-0-1 across a ten year career, the 30-year-old champion is the younger brother of Andre who fights James DeGale next month for the IBF title.
Whoever wins this contest will face Britain’s George Groves later in the year, and Dirrell is the overwhelming betting favourite with odds of 1/8, while Jack is the underdog at 4/1,
Jack’s low chances can be attributed to his lone career loss, when he was knocked out in the first round of his February 2014 clash with Derek Edwards.
That loss halted the reputation of Jack who was once seen as a major prospect, but after two victories following that defeat he now has the chance to become a world champion.
Dirrell spent many years treading water in boxing, but finally made a name for himself after two fights with Sakio Bika, and the second meeting resulted in him being the WBC titleholder after an initial draw.
Neither man is particularly exciting, but Dirrell carries a power advantage after 22 stoppage wins from 27 victories, so the 6/4 on Dirrell by KO or TKO could represent some value.
A second world title match headlines the undercard as a version of the WBA middleweight championship is fought for between holder Danny Jacobs and Caleb Truax.
Jacobs is one of the most exceptional stories in boxing after recovering from cancer midway through his career, and the 28-1 fighter is supremely powerful who has won his last eight fights via stoppage.
Truax is 25-1-2 across his career, but his resume is filled with average fighters, and he drew with journeyman Ossie Duran only three bouts ago.
Expect Jacobs to successfully defend his title in this bout, while a double of Jacobs and Dirrell to stop their opponents can be had at 3/1.
Klitschko vs Jennings, Saturday night 1.00am, BoxNation
63-3 Wladimir Klitschko fights for the first time outside of Germany since February 2008 when he defends his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles against 19-0 American Bryant Jennings.
Klitschko last fought back in November as he defeated Kubrat Pulev, adding the Bulgarian fighter to an incredible list of boxers he has taken the undefeated record of which includes Alexander Povetkin, Francesco Pianeta, Mariusz Wach, Ruslan Chagaev, Sultan Ibragimov, Calvin Brock and Samuel Peter.
Jennings too has defeated previously undefeated opposition in his last two bouts, but Artur Szpilka and Mike Perez are hardly ideal barometers for taking on a champion who has reigned supreme for over a decade.
So is there a way Jennings can win? Klitschko has just turned 39, and his three defeats have all come via stoppage, but the last of those was 11 years ago and he has beaten a wide range of opponents recently.
Jennings is also not a power puncher, with only 11 stoppages from 19 wins, and though he has good fundamentals inside of the ring, this is by far the biggest fight of his career, and the watching crowd at Madison Square Garden do not take kindly to choking.
One of the biggest upsets in boxing is available at 9/1, while Klitschko by stoppage is an option at a tiny ¼.
The winner of this fight should face Tyson Fury later in the year, who will be watching with interest.
Chief support on the undercard is a 10 round welterweight contest between 21-0 Sadam Ali and 22-3 Francisco Santana, while exciting Ukrainian cruiserweight Iago Kiladze battles veteran Edison Miranda.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments