Jennings, an unknown at this time last year, broke into the heavyweight picture by winning five fights in 2013. In addition to beating Liakhovich, he pinned the first loss on previously unbeaten lefty Maurice Byarm, of Washington, DC, and he won the vacant USBSA title by pitching a shutout against iron-chinned Steve Collins, of Houston, TX.
In his last fight on December 8 in Philadelphia, Jennings defended the USBA crown by knocking out Bowie Tupou, of Tonga, in five rounds.
All of those 2013 fights were televised as part of the NBC Sports Network Fight Night series.
“I see things in their (Klitschko) arsenal, things that I could apply,” Jennings recently told Chris Mannix, of Sports Illustrated. “It’s not that (Klitschko) has weaknesses, it’s that I see things in him that I may be able to break through on. Wladimir has a problem being challenged. He is very seldom challenged. I know that if he gets hit on the chin, he is going down. I have confidence in my ability. I know I will try harder than those other guys he has fought. One of his weaknesses is that I think he would underestimate me, just like the rest of the guys I fought. I’m a light guy and he would think he can just push me around.
Jennings Added: "Everyone knows how bad I want that fight. I don’t want to wait for my career. I don’t have 10 more years. I have a pace that I created and I’m just trying to keep up with that pace. I don’t have time to be slowed down. I cam here fast and I’ll leave fast.”
February 5, 2013