On Saturday night in Newark, NBC Sports Fight Night series will be returning to the airwaves, broadcasting live from the Prudential Center. The series continues with Tomasz Adamek taking on Philadelphia heavyweight Eddie Chambers, Chambers fighter making his first appearance on the networks Fight Night series. On the undercard however, is another Philadelphia heavyweight, making his third appearance. Undefeated prospect, Bryant Jennings will be facing Steve Collins.
Coming off of a win over heavyweight veteran Siarhei Liakhovich featured at a co-main event of the Zab Judah v. Vernon Paris fight aired on the network. Jennings was not favored to win going into the fight against the former WBO heavyweight champion. But using combinations and working the body Jennings was able to stop Liakhovich in the ninth round. Remaining undefeated and proving he could pass the test.
It was a test he had taken before when he stepped into the ring against Maurice Byarm as the main event on the premiere card of the Fight Night series. Taking the fight on about a weeks notice after the intended main event, Eddie Chambers vs. Siarhei Liakhovich, fell apart due to an injury. Although the fight was no classic, it was a good heavyweight bought that showcased Jennings’ hunger, and perhaps a better fight than the intended main event would have been. Jennings controlled the fight with hard right hands and a well-timed flurry, showing that he was certainly the more technically sound fighter and leaving with the victory.
His three performances on the network series have caught the attention of a wide spectrum of fight fans. Including world famous trainer Freddy Roach and Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Roach mentioned on the June 1st telecast of a Fight Night card that he thinks that Jennings is the best American heavyweight prospect out there. While Duva recognizes Jennings’ is a fan favorite and mentioned in the interview that there are hopes to have him fight on the network two more time before the years end.
On Saturday night Jennings faces another test, facing an older, more experienced fighter in Steve Collins. While its best to never look past an opponent, I see bigger fights in Jennings’ future. He has got the heart, determination, and the skill. So when will Bryant “Bye Bye” Jennings say hello to a title shot? My guess is sooner rather than later.