Are we underestimating Bryant Jennings?

[ykdadamaja]

Out of all of the American HW prospects, everyone forgets or talks around Bryant Jennings as if he wasn't there.

In fact, Jennings was ringside at Arreola vs. Mitchell and as so much walked up to Arreola, respectfully, and said he wanted to take the fight.

Of course, Arreola is looking for the winner of Stiverne/Vitali when it happens- or perhaps a showdown for the vacant crown because Vitali's retirement is all but certain after this match with Stiverne.

But, Jennings isn't even ranked by the WBC. So a fight with Arreola for the WBC strap, or anyone for the WBC strap, is highly unlikely. So where does that leave him?

Answer? NO WHERE! Jennings is in no man's land, can't get fights because he isn't a big puncher like Wilder; he isn't a crowd favorite with mass appeal like Arreola; and a European draw for him vs. a British or Eastern European Heavyweight isn't likely UNLESS he fights on an undercard of someone like a Wlad, or someone who he, himself, should be fighting any ways- guys like Pulev, Helenius, Charr or Haye/Fury/Chisora.

So that's that. As Wilder is being side-stepped for his punching power (albeit his chin is suspect), Jennings is being side-stepped and ducked because of his SUPERIOR endurance, his fast hands and mobility for a Heavyweight and for his lack of former opposition because no one wants to take a fight against a hungry Heavyweight like himself.

But, fights for Jennings must be made. As with Wilder, we don't want to see him go backwards.... he must fight top 15 and top 10 guys from here on in on route to a title shot. He must. Anything else is a waste of time.

[ykdadamaja]

To show you how whacky the ratings are, Seth Mitchell is rated higher than Jennings.
Boxing Rankings | WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF | Fightnews

Jennings needs to pay someone for a ranking and get in the mix. He isn't a spry 24 year old, he started late and has a limited shelf life as a prospect at this stage of his life.

He needs to get a little dirty in terms of the boxing politics and get himself something for a shot. He has nothing to lose.

[TitoFan]

Agree totally. Jennings is head and shoulders above many of the more highly touted HW's in terms of boxing skill.... but seems to be largely ignored. It seems like unless you have "building implosion power", or are some sort of wacky character, it's hard to get noticed in today's boxing, especially in HW, where people tune in to see the highlight reel knockouts. I think he IS going to have to get down and dirty... and unfortunately organizational politics have a hand in boxing just like many other things in life.

[ykdadamaja]

Agree totally. Jennings is head and shoulders above many of the more highly touted HW's in terms of boxing skill.... but seems to be largely ignored. It seems like unless you have "building implosion power", or are some sort of wacky character, it's hard to get noticed in today's boxing, especially in HW, where people tune in to see the highlight reel knockouts. I think he IS going to have to get down and dirty... and unfortunately organizational politics have a hand in boxing just like many other things in life.

Yup. He can't get into character, and he is not a wrecking ball power hitter. So, he has to learn the politics of the game and use the media effectively. This is his only way to get a ranking and a title shot within the next 2 years.

I see a very uneventful 2014 for him at this current pace. Sad, but true.

He needs to dance with the devil, persons of the likes of Arum, King and/or the Lee's at the IBF or Suliman. Just get up there on a major event and politic. Even if it means 20% of your purse.

[boyla]

In short No.

[FinitoElDinamita]

Jennings is alittle bit underrated.. decent fighter for sure but no match for Clinchko