Bryant Jennings knows his boxing history, and the Philadelphia born heavyweight is keenly aware of his opportunity to join a lineage of great heavyweight champions before him who helped transform the sport to where it is today.
Jennings (18-0, 10 knockouts) will be the No. 1 contender for the World Boxing Council title if he wins the 12-round fight against Mike Perez (20-0-1, 12 KOs) at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. The supremely confident and poised Jennings sat down with BlackSportsOnline to discuss his future, being heavyweight champion of the world and staying consistent.
***
BSO: Thanks for taking time out to speak with us Bryant. How is training camp going for you?
BJ: Man, training is going good, man. Nice talking to you again. I’m focused, locked in and ready to go. You know, I’ve been going at it since April, about 4 months of training, and I’m mentally stable, I’m physically stable, and I’m just patiently waiting.
BSO: I see that you’ve incorporated training while blind folded. Can you tell us a little about that and where it came from?
BJ: It’s a trick my trainer Fred (Jenkins) picked up many years ago. It’s something we’ve used since I was an amateur. It allows me to simply focus on boxing, while being able to hear his voice in the midst of the battle.
BSO: What was the reaction when you got the news that Perez had injured his shoulder and the fight would need to be rescheduled?
BJ: That’s like the 20th time I’ve had to answer this question. Nothing really. we regrouped and got right back to business. It did allow me some time to rest and get myself together. I was a little banged up as well.
BSO: This is your second consecutive fight at Madison Square Garden. That’s gotta really mean something in terms of where people view you in the heavyweight division?
BJ: just thank God that I’m good and I’m in a good place. I’m patient and I consider myself very humble. Of course my confidence gets in the way of people who are not confident in themselves. Some people say I’m cocky and it’s like, God damn, what you want me to do, lay down. It’s a blessing, it’s something I expected and I look forward to putting on a show.
BSO: I’m from Philadelphia, so I understand the history that comes with being a boxer in this city. Tell are readers what being a Philly guy means to you?
BJ: Being from Philly, and being the first American heavyweight in a long time fuels my motivation. But my motivation is to get through life. Philly is a tough city. We have tough fans. We have tough civilians. One minute they love you. One minute they hate you. They’re tough on you. You know that. So that just makes you work harder, knowing that one mess-up can bring a lot of criticism.
BSO: What are your thoughts on possibly headlining a card in Philadelphia and giving your hometown fans a treat?
BJ: That’s something that would be nice. Hell yea, I could see that and would love to fight and perform here in front of my fans, family and supporters.
BSO: You and Mike Perez are vying for a shot at the heavyweight championship of the world. Do you find yourself looking ahead?
BJ: Not at all. All I can do is focus on the challenge in front of me. Right now I’m focused on being consistent everyday in and outside the ring. I just want to be a model of consistency and do my thing.
BSO: What are your thoughts on Perez?
BJ: He’s just another opponent. I just plan to be in the best of shape and come with my A-game.
BSO: Mike Perez has labeled you a “one trick pony.” What’s your response to such a claim and is he correct?
BJ: You know and I know that’s not the case at all. It’s called the sweet science for a reason. I have a full arsenal at my display and won’t be baited into some type of brawl. I can get it done several different ways.
BSO: Bryant we appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. Is there anything you want to add?
BJ: I want everybody to make sure they tune in on July 26th at Madison Square Garden. They can also follow me on Twitter @BYJennings or follow me on Instagram at BYJennings. They can pay attention and listen to the real.
A talent-rich international cast takes the spotlight on boxing’s most famous stage when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: GENNADY GOLOVKIN VS. DANIEL GEALE AND BRYANT JENNINGS VS. MIKE PEREZ is seen SATURDAY, JULY 26 at 9:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Madison Square Garden in New York City, exclusively on HBO.
