Philadelphia’s Bryant “By By” Jennings (15-0, 7 KO’s) will defend his USBA heavyweight title on NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night broadcast, when he meets Bowie Tupou of Nukualofa, Tonga (22-2, 16 KO’s) on December 8. The 12 round fight will take place at Temple University McGonigle Hall in Philadelphia. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET.
Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO said, “This is a great stylistic match up. Tupou is a big puncher who prefers to brawl. Jennings is a boxer but loves to mix it up. It’s the kind of fight that will likely end up in a slugging match where the best chin wins.”
Jennings, currently ranked #5 by the IBF, is coming off a stunning KO 35 seconds into the first round of his fight against Chris Koval on September 8th’s Adamek – Walker undercard at Pru Center in Newark, NJ. Jennings previously pounded iron-chinned Steve Collins, of Houston, TX, for 10 rounds to win the vacant USBA heavyweight title on June 16 at the Pru Center on the NBC Sports Network. His meteoric rise in the heavyweight ranks has gained the attention of boxing fans and media worldwide.
Jennings is pleased to have the opportunity to fight Tupou in Philly, “Having this fight in my hometown is great for me right now. I’ve been representing my city for a while, fighting tough fights and bringing home wins. I believe this fight will be a good one for the fans. Bowie is aware that I have something to prove so I’m expecting him to come to fight and I am ready.”
Tupou fights straight-ahead looking to stop his opponent with every big bomb he throws. In his last win on the undercard of the Super Six Finals in Atlantic City, Tupou dropped Donnell Holmes in the seventh round with a right hand and went on to win a unanimous decision over Holmes who was 33-1 at the time. He is trained by Jeff Mayweather and currently resides in Las Vegas.
Tupou knows he’s putting it all on the line,”It’s a good opportunity to get back into the mix again. It’s a must win fight for me and I can’t afford to lose. That’s what I’m focused on, winning no matter what.”
McGonigle Hall, a 4,500 seat venue at Temple University, has hosted boxing in the past, but when NBC Sports Network broadcasts the sixth installment of its “Fight Night” series on December 8th, it will be the first professional boxing event held at McGonigle Hall in over 19 years.
Eight bouts are planned for the Philadelphia card. The fight is promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing, and Goossen-Tutor Promotions in association with BAM Boxing. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, October 24th. Contact Peltz Boxing for further ticket info, 215-765-0922, www.peltzboxing.com
