Free Republic

<p>Not much was expected from Bryant Jennings in Saturday’s heavyweight title fight with Wladimir Klitschko at Madison Square Garden.</p> <p>Klitschko’s advantages in height (three inches, at least) and weight (more than 20lb) were foreboding enough, but nothing compared to the gulf in experience. The 39-year-old from Ukraine had more successful title defenses than Jennings had pro fights. The oddsmakers had made the upstart from North Philadelphia as a 10-1 underdog in Klitschko’s first fight on US soil since 2008.</p>

On Saturday night at the O2 Arena in Hamburg Germany, Wladimir Klitschko (63-3-0, 53 knockouts) pulverized Kubrat Pulev (20-1, 11 KOs), knocking him out in the fifth round with a lethal left hook. Klitschko’s victory marked his 17th consecutive title defense. He is third in line behind Joe Louis (25) and Larry Holmes (20). At 38, Klitschko seems unbeatable. Eight years into his reign, he has dominated his division more than any other active champion today. He holds the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, but remains one belt away from realizing his most immediate goal, unifying the heavyweight crown.