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Jennings is ready for a fresh start
END OF AN ERA: Michael Jennings with his former trainer Brian Hughes
Michael Jennings is bracing himself for a new era in his professional boxing career – one free from injury.
The Chorley Lurcher is preparing at the Mostyn and Collywood Gym in Manchester for a rearranged fight with Gary McMillan in a welterweight British title eliminator.
The 33-year-old had been lined up to take on the Scottish boxer in Glasgow in March, but pulled out with damaged ligaments in his arm.
Jennings is back training now – and he thinks a fight could be on the cards in June.
But he will be without his experienced trainer Brian Hughes, who has retired.
Jennings said: “I think Brian has just had enough of it, and he has other commitments now.
“I have been with him for 12 years, and we have seen many ups and downs, been through good times and bad.
“It was time for us all to move on, and I am still working with trainers Pat Bennett and Tommy McDonagh, who have been at my gym for a long time.”
McMillan is ranked as 12th in Britain, while Jennings has slipped down to 10th spot.
Jennings said: “I have been working hard in the gym, and I just hope I can avoid injury.
“I just want to get a fight under my belt, so I can go on and hopefully win the British title by the end of the year.
“If I beat Gary, then I would probably face Lee Purdy, who currently holds the title.
“I will take on anyone. I don’t care who they are as I think I can beat anyone.”
Jennings hopes the British title would be the start of bigger things in 2011.
He said: “It has been frustrating not having a fight since September, but if I can win the British belt, then I could go for more competitions.”
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Weather for Chorley
Thursday 23 February 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: West
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