Ever since Wladimir Klitschko stopped Kubrat Pulev in the fifth round last month, there have been heavy rumors that unbeaten American Bryant Jennings will be the next in line to face the long reigning champion. ThaBoxingVoice.com had a chance to catch up with Jennings’ promotor Gary Shaw last Saturday at The Barclays Center.Shaw confirmed to us that there have been talks between both camps. But also clearly stated that the fight is not a done deal yet.
“I rather just tell you for now that Shelly Finkel [Klitschko’s manager] called me. We have spoken about the fight. But I have no announcement yet. For now we are just talking.”
Our own Victor Salazar brought up a rumor that the 30-year old Jennings was moved to front row, because he will fight Klitschko in the same building next April.
Shaw responded with a smile, “I don’t know where you get that information from? Do you have someone in your ear?”
He later added, “Bryant is a great guy, a great speaker and a great fighter. If he ever gets the chance to fight Klitschko, he will be the heavyweight champion of the world. We need a heavyweight champion in the United States badly.”
The Barclays is rumored to be the favorite to host the fight. They have expressed their desire before about getting a Klitschko fight. Another potential venue is Madison Square Garden. We asked Shaw if he prefers either of the two venues.
“A venue is a venue. Barclays is a great venue. Madison Square Garden is a great venue. Staples Center is a great venue. This is about the opportunity to get the fight.”
