In front of an announced crowd of 17,056 at Madison Square Garden, Wladimir Klitschko and Bryant Jennings kicked off tonight’s world heavyweight championship fight on HBO.
Klitschko vs Jennings live results: Round 1
Wladimir Klitschko and Bryant Jennings got off to a tactical start tonight.
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Klitschko, fighting in the United States for the first time since 2008, and Jennings, his unbeaten but expected to be overmatched opponent, stared down intently at mid-ring before the opening bell. Jennings came out looking to work a long jab -- as the shorter man, he is not really smaller, as he has a three-inch reach advantage.
The first minute of the round saw Jennings moving around and looking to find the right range, getting close to Wladimir but then not throwing once he was there. Klitschko planted his feet and waited for an opening, as per usual. Jennings was moving his head nicely and wasn’t letting Klitschko get his jab in. Klitschko started pumping his jab with about 50 seconds left in the round after a right hand from Jennings did get in. Jennings defended the jabs well, with nothing getting through cleanly.
Klitschko landed a left hook and a right hand towards the end of the round that pushed Jennings back just a bit, even though Jennings blocked the shot. Round ends.
SB Nation scores the round 10-9 for Klitschko
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