The 31-year-old is set to return to full training next week in preparation for his long-awaited shot at the vacant belt at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Jennings said: "Everything was going well with my training but recently I suffered a problem with my ankle.

"I could not run or even skip and it was really painful, but I went to get some physio from Rob Molyneux at Avalon Sports in Chorley.

"He said I could come during Christmas for treatment but thankfully it seems to have worked out."

The Chorley Lurcher enjoyed Christmas with his two children, Mikey and Jack Thomas, but once the presents were opened he was back in training.

Jennings believes he will be in his best shape for the fight of his life when he takes on Miguel Cotto on February 21.

He said: "I went with Terry McDermott running in White Coppice to keep my fitness levels up.

"I am really buzzing about the fight and especially because it is being held at Madison Square Garden where all the top fighters have boxed.

"It would be great if I could write a little piece of history for myself by winning there.

"It is going to be difficult as I go over there as the massive underdog against Cotto as he is strong in every department."