NEW YORK (AP) - The champ returned to the Garden, and it sounded and felt like Kiev.
Ukraine's Wladimir Klitschko easily outpointed a game-but-outclassed Bryant Jennings in the champion's first fight in the United States in seven years, defending his heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision Saturday night.
Klitschko's last U.S. fight was here Feb. 23, 2008, when he easily won over Sultan Ibragimov. This was his fourth Garden bout, and it seemed both comfortable and familiar.
Although not at his dominant best, Klitschko was in control from the outset in his 18th straight successful defense. His jab and straight right hands kept Jennings from getting inside, and the unbeaten American had little chance of winning from distance.
The overwhelmingly pro-Klitschko crowd of 17,056 roared loudly with every thundering punch by the champ. They chanted Ukrainian slogans when he entered the arena and when the decision was announced: 116-111 on two cards, 118-109 on another.
The AP had it 118-109.
Yet, with Jennings still standing in the middle rounds and beginning to land some punches, the Americans in the crowd began shouting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" But the Philadelphian never really had a chance and was outpunched 545-376, with 144 landing for Klitschko, 110 for the challenger.
Klitschko is 64-3 and has held a heavyweight belt for nearly a decade. Jennings is 19-1.