11:13am Tuesday 7th April 2009
By Chris Flanagan
CHORLEY boxer Michael Jennings is keen to use his planned return to the ring on May 15 as a stepping stone to the European welterweight title.
Jennings was beaten by Miguel Cotto – currently one of the most famous names in the sport – in the biggest fight of his career for the WBO world title at Madison Square Garden in New York in February.
The former WBU world champion will now make his comeback on the undercard of Martin Rogan’s heavyweight bout with Sam Sexton at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on May 15, with his opponent still to be confirmed.
Jennings had suggested he would consider taking on Kell Brook for the British title in the near future but instead he has set his sights on a shot at the European title against Polish fighter Rafal Jackiewicz before the end of the year.
The 31-year-old has never previously held the European title but did defeat Jackiewicz in 2004.
“I’m fighting on May 15 but I haven’t heard who my opponent is yet,” said Jennings.
“I’m not too sure who it will be, but it will probably be an international opponent – a foreigner. I’ll probably know who it is by the end of this week.
“It’s not for a title, it’s just an eight-rounder. But it’s not a warm-up, it’s just a case of getting back into it.
“It will be as important as my last fight though, because if it goes belly up it will spoil my plans. It’s really important for me.
“I was back in full training yesterday, although I have been training, just keeping ticking over. People have said it’s a bit quick to be fighting again, but I just want to get back to where I was and to do that I need to get back in the ring.
“At the moment we’re looking at the European title if I can win this next one.
“I’m hoping that will be at some point this year, but it’s hard to say about dates at the moment.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/trade_directory/