IBF/WBO/WBA heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 54 KOs) is poised to extend his nine year title reign against unbeaten challenger Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) tonight at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden. The event will be televised Live on HBO in the United States and RTL in Germany. Klitschko says he’s ready for whatever Jennings brings. “I have multiple game plans,” stated Wlad, “if A doesn’t work we move to B, C, D, or E. Always have to be prepared to change up. The best way to win is by knockout and that’s my plan.”

“My focus right now is only on Bryant Jennings, I give credit to him and what he has accomplished and I’m only thinking about beating him at Madison Square Garden and on HBO. Later there will be time to consider Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder fights but now is not the time to talk about that.”

Some numbers:
Klitschko’s nine year run is the second longest in heavyweight history, trailing only Joe Louis, who reigned for 11 years, 8 months.

Tonight is Wlad’s 18th consecutive heavyweight title defense. That mark is surpassed only by Louis (25) and Larry Holmes (20).

Counting his first reign as WBO champion, this will be Wladimir’s 23rd title defense.

It will be Wlad’s first fight in the U.S. since he faced Sultan Ibragimov in this same arena seven years ago. Ibragimov never fought again.

Klitschko is a prohibitive favorite, ranging from 14:1 to over 20:1 at various online sportsbooks.