Bryant Jennings stops Dimitrenko in 9, proves he’s still relevant

Heavyweight Bryant Jennings fought for the third time of 2018 against contender Alexander Dimitrenko, proving he has plenty left in the tank.

Three years ago, Bryant Jennings was at the top of the heavyweight boxing ranks. He compiled victories over the likes of Artur Szpilka, Mike Perez and Siarhei Liakhovich. Then he lost back-to-back bouts against Wladimir Klitschko and Luis Ortiz. Jennings’ road back to elite status lead to a Saturday, Aug. 18 ESPN showcase against Alexander Dimitrenko. Jennings showed that he’s still a dangerous heavyweight worthy of big fights.

When Jennings and Dimitrenko came together in Round 1, Dimitrenko’s four-inch height advantage looked astonishing. He’s 6-foot-7 but looked even taller. Jennings wasn’t intimidated. He counter-boxed for much of the round but got in close to Dimitrenko several times. Not much landed for either boxer, which made it a hard round to score.

Jennings pressed forward in Round 2. He utilized his jab and targeted Dimitrenko’s body. Jennings outworked Dimitrenko when they fought at close quarters. This was a clear round for Jennings.

In the third, Jennings established his dominance over Dimitrenko by shoving him to the ropes. It wasn’t legal, but Jennings showed Dimitrenko that just because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s stronger. Dimitrenko’s confidence showed cracks and Jennings tried to deepen them with a constant jab.

Jennings looked good at the start of the fourth. His jab was finding its target, but Dimitrenko surprised Jennings with a straight right that floored him. Jennings got to his feet but looked hurt. Dimitrenko had Jennings where he wanted him but didn’t take advantage of his momentum. Jennings steadied himself and finished the round.

More from Boxing

• Limited-Time FanDuel Boxing Promo: $200 Bonus for ANY Bet on Baumgardner vs Linardatou
• Rays vs. Diamondbacks prediction and odds for Thursday, June 29 (Take the OVER)
• DraftKings Boxing Promo GUARANTEES $200 on Lopez vs Taylor (Plus, Win an Extra $200+ in Five States!)
• Industry’s BIGGEST Boxing Promo Unlocks $2,500 Bonus Betting on Lopez vs Taylor at FanDuel
• Turn $5 Into $200 Betting on Claressa Shields With DraftKings Boxing Promo (-8000 Odds Usually Pays out 6 Cents!) 

In the fifth, Jennings kept a high guard to absorb Dimitrenko’s punches and got in close to his body. Jennings mixed in shots to Dimitrenko’s body and followed them up with uppercuts to his head. Dimitrenko landed several rights down the stretch, but it was a good comeback round for Jennings.

Jennings controlled the first minute of Round 6. He made Dimitrenko miss punches with good head movement and countered with his jab. Jennings’ hand speed helped him win the round. Dimitrenko’s punch output plummeted, and Jennings took advantage by letting his hands go.

Dimitrenko opened the seventh with a good straight right that sent Jennings back several steps. He took the punch well and fought back. It was a rough round that got a bit sloppy. Dimitrenko got pushed to the canvas, and Jennings’ defense started to get lazy. Dimitrenko landed several more rights which won him the round.

Jennings evened the knockdown count in the eighth by sending Dimitrenko to the canvas with a left hook. Dimitrenko got to his feet, but he was hurt. Jennings mauled Dimtrenko and put him down a second time. Again he got to his feet and was immediately smothered by Jennings. Dimitrenko barely made it out of the round. He looked out on his feet.

Jennings stalked Dimitrenko in the ninth. He conserved his energy by walking down Dimitrenko to get in close. Jennings was economical with his punches, making sure not to punch himself out. He carefully looked for an opening and found it. Jennings tattooed Dimitrenko with a crushing right uppercut that ended Dimitrenko’s night. The referee stopped the fight as soon as Dimitrenko hit the floor.

Jennings has flaws, but he’s also skilled and exciting to watch. He only has two losses on his record, and they came against top-tier opposition. Yes, he was dropped in the fourth by Dimitrenko, but he got to his feet and fought on. He proved he has heart and that he’s still dangerous.

Jennings would likely lose to boxers like Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, but he could give most contenders a run for their money. He deserves a big money fight soon.