Bryant Jennings Turns Down World Title Shot to Avoid Covid Vaccine

Bryant Jennings has withdrawn from his WBC bridgerweight title fight against Oscar Rivas on October 22.

He doesn’t want to get himself vaccinated for the coronavirus, which is against Canada’s rules for incoming travelers. The rematch was scheduled in Québec for the inaugural title that has a maximum limit of 224 lbs.

Rivas won their first fight via a 12th round TKO back in 2019 in New York. Quebec has a COVID-19 vaccine passport system, which means that every non-resident has to submit their valid photo ID with an address outside Québec and proof of vaccination issued by their country or Canada.

Jennings took to Twitter to explain why he decided to turn down the vaccine jabs.

“Me getting the vaccine was never in the plans never in the contract!” the former heavyweight title challenger wrote. “The contract stated at whatever time I’ll agree to the Quebec public health requirements. But you just can’t up and make requirements as such and think that this is still gonna happen.”

Me getting the vaccine was never in the plans never in the contract! The contract stated at whatever time I’ll agree to the Quebec public health requirements. But you just can’t up and make requirements as such and think that this is still gonna happen.

— B.Y (@BYJennings) September 27, 2021

14 days quarantine no trainer, no gym, no running, no last week of sparring, no sunlight, whatever food available, and I don’t get out of quarantine until the 21st which is the day of the weigh in. How can that work for a world class fighter fighting 12 rounds!

— B.Y (@BYJennings) September 28, 2021

On the other hand, Rivas’ team has reportedly roped in Jerry Forrest as Jenning’s replacement. Forrest has, however, not confirmed the fight yet. He is coming off a draw against Zhang Zhilei.