Jennings undaunted by Klitschko's tall task

NEW YORK - As he wrapped up his final press responsibilities Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, Bryant Jennings made it seem as though he's bringing more than just his two hands into the ring on Saturday.

"This fight is for myself, my team and everybody who is part of the team," the North Philadelphia heavyweight said. "We all share the same dream."

On Saturday, Jennings (19-0, 10 knockouts) will have the grandest dream of his lifetime standing across from him - a chance to dislodge Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 50 KO), the lineal heavyweight champion of the world and holder of the throne the last nine years, from his titles.

Jennings, 30, is aware of the challenge that the 39-year-old Klitschko represents. He looks to notch his 18th consecutive title defense, which would tie him with Larry Holmes at No. 2 all-time. And he is not talking about retiring very soon, so it is conceivable that the dominant champion could one day eclipse Joe Louis' gold standard of 25.

Just days before the fight, though, Jennings, rarely smiling, appeared undaunted by the task ahead of him.

"It's a wonderful world, it's a wonderful opportunity at the top of the food chain," Jennings, nicknamed "Bye-Bye," said. "This is an epic situation and it's what every heavyweight fighter dreams of."

The smaller man - he's four inches shorter than the 6-foot-6 Klitschko and on average fights about 20 pounds lighter than Klitschko's typical 245 - Jennings has not revealed how he plans to pull off the upset.

Surprisingly, Jennings has the longer reach (84 inches to 81). However, Klitschko is adept at peppering opponents with his jab. And when required, he is comfortable taking his power inside to fight at close range.

A three-sport athlete while a student at Ben Franklin High School, Jennings' trainer Gary Shaw says his fighter's athleticism will be a factor.

"He's the best athlete that Klitschko has ever faced," he flatly states.

Klitschko, who last defended his title in the United States in 2008, said that when the bright lights in the Garden come on, Jennings will be in for a surprise.

"There is no grandmother in the ring, no trainer," Klitschko said. "It's just going to be me and Bryant Jennings in the ring. Nobody is going to hop in there. It's just going to be two gentlemen who will explain with their fists who is stronger."