By David Martinez / dmboxing.com
Wladimir Klitschko (64-3 / 54 by KO) successfully defended his IBF/WBO/WBA heavyweight title belts for the 18th time in a row with a unanimous decision over Bryant Jennings (19-1 / 10 by KO) in a fight that was held in a sold out Madison Square Garden, New York and airing on HBO.
Klitschko used his lethal jab to pile up points, as Jennings made it interesting in just lasting 12 rounds with the champion. Jennings fought defensively for most of the fight with hands up high, but did have his moments by opening up and being first with his punches and becoming the aggressor.
But at the end, Klitschko threw more and his jab was just right on target throughout the bout and there was never any doubt in what the out come was to be.
The judges scores were 116-111, 116-111, 118-109 for Klitschko, who had a point deducted in round 10 for excessive holding. … my unofficial scorecard was 117-110.
In the co-feature, Francisco Santana (22-4 -1 / 11 by KO) surely fought his heart out in a losing effort to Sadam Ali (22-0 / 13 by KO) in their welterweight fight. It was a tough fight for Ali, as Santana came to fight, in a bout that saw a lot of rounds close – very close – that could of swung in favor for Santana.
Santana, is a native from Santa Barbara, California, is a friend and a great kid and will be back … I can assure you of that – his future is bright.
The judges scores were 97-93, 97-93, 100-90 … my unofficial scorecard was 97-93, seven rounds to three for the winner Ali.