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Jennings goes full-time toward a title bout

Philadelphia heavyweight boxer Bryant Jennings returned to work at Center City's Federal Reserve Bank week after his last fight.

Philadelphia heavyweight boxer Bryant Jennings returned to work at Center City's Federal Reserve Bank week after his last fight.

He had not been there since March as he was preparing for his split-decision win last month that secured him a shot at the World Boxing Council title. And the win allowed him the chance to give his employer his two-week notice. Friday is the heavyweight's last day at work. For the first time in his career he will be a full-time boxer.

He said he could have just quit, but wanted to give his notice as a way of thanking the bank for being flexible around his boxing career. His boss would allow him to use his vacation time around his fights and if he ran out of vacation days, Jennings was allowed to take leaves.

"I don't think I would've been able to do that anywhere else," said Jennings. "I had the best of both worlds."

The 29-year-old (19-0, 10 knockouts) is awaiting the winner of Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stirverne. The two are scheduled to fight later this year but negotiations are dragging on. Wilder is fighting a tune-up fight this weekend. Jennings said he is staying patient and might schedule a fight before that if the wait is too long. He thinks he will be even better with the ability to dedicate more of his time to boxing.

"It feels like something new," said Jennings. "And I look forward to seeing how much better I am because of it."

mbreen@phillynews.com

@matt_breen