Wladimir Klitschko Set to Make 18th Title Defense Against Bryant Jennings on April 25 in New York

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Wladimir Klitschko will fight Bryant Jennings at Madison Square Garden in New York on April 25; the bout will serve as the potential 18th consecutive defense of his three heavyweight titles.

The news was first reported by ESPN earlier this week. The bout, which has been agreed upon by both fighters, will air on HBO and will be Klitschko’s first scrap in the U.S. since 2008.

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Klitschko, 38, (63-3, 54 KOs) was last in action against Kubrat Pulev in Germany, dropping his opponent with a shot in the fifth round. On April 22, Klitschko’s title reign will reach nine years; he chases the longest reign ever, an 11-year tear by one of the greatest to ever lace them up, Joe Louis.

Jennings, 30, (19-0, 10 KOs) was first in line to face Deontay Wilder for his newly acquired WBC heavyweight title, but passed up the opportunity to face Klitschko for a much larger payday. Most recently, Jennings finished Artur Szpilka in January, before defeating Mike Perez via decision on July 26.