PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 13, 2014) – Undefeated Heavyweight contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs) is preparing for the biggest fight of his career when he faces fellow unbeaten, polish superstar Artur Szpilka (16-0, 12 KO’s). The bout will take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, as the co-feature to Garcia vs. Burgos which will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, on Saturday, Jan. 25, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
With less than two weeks away from his showdown with Szpilka, Jennings reflects on training camp, making his HBO debut and fighting at Madison Square Garden for the first time.
“I’ve been in the gym since my last fight back in June so I’m ready to go,” he said. “My trainer Fred Jenkins and I have been grinding, working on new things, trying to improve on what I do best, which is to box my opponents ears off.
“I know Szpilka is a big star in him native country, but his “0” has got to go, and his fans must deal with him losing for the first time. I’m healthy and I feel I’ve improved my ring intelligence since I fought last.
“An opportunity like this, to fight on a big stage like HBO, is a dream come true,” Jennings continued. “When I first stepped in the gym, which was about five years ago, I always envisioned myself fighting on HBO. Now it’s time to show the world what Bryant Jennings is all about. I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard as well as my manager James Prince for getting me this opportunity. HBO needs some fresh heavyweight talent to showcase and I’m the one to take make it happen. I’m coming to win and win impressively.
“Everyone knows the Madison Square Garden is a place where many fighters have made their name famous. I plan to follow in the footsteps of the greats that have fought there before and continue on my path to greatness. God willing, everything goes as planned. Philadelphia will definitely be in the house and I want to personally thank all my fans for their support,” Jennings concluded.
Shaw, Leonard and Team Jennings hope Szpilka can resolve visa problems
January 12, 2014 – Gary Shaw Productions, Antonio Leonard Promotions and Team Bryant Jennings are all hoping Artur Szpilka can resolve his visa problems as it was reported that the polish fighter was deported back to his native land after he was stopped by the Department of Homeland Security at O’Hare International Airport. Bryant Jennings is scheduled to face Artur Szpilka on HBO January 25th.
“Team Jennings along with myself and Antonio Leonard are well aware of the visa problems Szpilka is having at the moment,” said Gary Shaw. “We are monitoring the situation very closely with Warriors Boxing Promoter Leon Margolis and hope this problem can get resolved very fast. This is a great fight between two undefeated ranked heavyweights and it would be disappointing if they are not able to fight. We are working endlessly to get Artur’s proper documents approved so they can meet January 25th on HBO.”