Coming up this Saturday night, unbeaten heavyweight’s will collide as Bryant Jennings 18-0 (10 KO’s) takes on Mike Perez 20-0-1 (12 KO’s) in a heavyweight match-up to be televised live on HBO. Hailing from Philly, Bryant Jennings feels he is the next American heavyweight champion, and Perez is in his way to glory. Read on the see what Jennings had to say about his upcoming fight, the heavyweight division and more. Enjoy!
You have the match-up coming up July 26th against Mike Perez. Give the readers your thoughts on that fight?
Bryant Jennings: Perez is undefeated as am I and someone’s “O” has got to go, which is going to make for a great fight. We both are going to be giving it our all and I can’t wait. I’m going to set the tone right from the beginning. Perez is going to come at me and try to use his jab to set up his power shots, so I’m going to be making my adjustments as the fight goes on. This is a fight the fans are going to love watching live or on HBO.
What do you see in Perez’s artillery that you feel could pose a threat to you, and do you see any kinks in his armor that you feel you can expose and capitalize on?
Bryant Jennings: There are some things he does well but I’m not going to say what they are. His defense is a little suspect so I’m going to take advantage of every opening I see.
Aside from Wilder, you are labeled as the next American heavyweight hopeful to earn a world title. In your opinion, what separates you from the other American heavyweights, especially Wilder?
Bryant Jennings: I feel I’m a more complete fighter than these other heavyweights. I have the athletic ability to use my feet and avoid punches where I some of these other guys getting his too much. Wilder is good, but his competition is a bit suspect. My main focus is Perez and nobody else.
Fighting in this match-up, and knowing a victory could propel you to a world title. Does that add pressure to you, or is it more of a confidence boaster?
Bryant Jennings: There is the natural pressure of just being in this sport and fighting on the big stage, but nothing more than that. This fight being an elimination bout is what’s motivating me to train hard and smart. Because I know if I’m victorious, I’m getting a chance to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion. Everything is riding on this fight and I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.
In closing of this interview, is there any message you would like to send out to Perez, the heavyweight division, and the fight world in general?
Bryant Jennings: To all my fans, I want to say thank you for the encouraging words on social media. Philly is going to be in the house this Saturday and I’m going to bring the victory home for my people. I also want to say I have the best promoters in boxing, Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard, and I’m very thankful for all their hard work. Together they are making my dreams come true. I want to thank HBO for bringing me back. Tune in this Saturday on HBO, there’s going to be some big bombs being thrown.
