Michael Jennings hits New York

Michael Jennings knows his place in the big scheme of things. In New York, on Tuesday, he came face to face with Miguel Cotto for the first time. He knew who Cotto was, but the Puerto Rican is not too sure about Jennings. Asked how many times he had watched the Lancastrian box, Cotto replied: "Never."

That is likely to change before the pair meet for the vacant WBO welterweight title at Madison Square Garden on February 21. Jennings will be a big outsider, but he promises he will not be overawed.

"I've always respected Miguel Cotto, as a boxing fan and as a professional boxer," Jennings, 31, said. "I know I've got a mammoth task in front of me but I'm a proud man and I'm not just coming to lie down. I'm not coming here for a holiday. As far as I'm concerned I'm coming to win, and that's it. I'm going to give it my best shot.”

Both boxers have one defeat on their record. Cotto's loss was in his last bout last July, when he lost his WBA welterweight title to Antonio Margarito in Las Vegas. Cotto has boxed at the Garden four times, beating Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi and Mohamad Abdulaev there. Cotto has also beaten nine world champions, while Jennings has never boxed one. His one defeat in 35 contests came, albeit controversially, in a defence of his British welterweight title to Young Mutley three years ago.

"The first few rounds, I've got to be on the ball - as soon as the bell goes," Jennings said. "Otherwise, he could come out and catch me with a big shot - and it could be game over, because I know he's a big hitter. I like to think I've got a decent jab and fast hands - but I'll need more than a jab to beat Cotto.
"It's definitely a big occasion, with all the media involved and so on, but I don't think it's going to be a distraction. I've just got to get on with it and get my head in the game. I can't really be on a bigger stage than this, can I? Against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden - you can't ask for any bigger.”

Comments

[Ron Lewis]

I believe it is part of Top Rank's new deal with Setanta, so it will be shown live

[Jimmy E]

Will this be televised in the UK at all?

[Steve Hunt]

I agree with you, Phil. I've checked and you can get 10/1 on Jennings to win. No way is he a 10/1 outsider. Cotto has to be favourite; he's the hometown fighter with the greater world class experience. However, he is coming off one hell of a beating and has shown vulnerability in the past. If Michael can keep his head, get Cotto's respect and be in the fight after six rounds... you never know!

[Phill Arrowsmith]

If I had to bet on this fight I, like everyone else, would put my money on a quick Cotto win. However, I think Jennings is a very underestimated and very clever fighter. Something in my bones (maybe just patriotism and wishful thinking!) is screaming to me that Jennings can do this.
Next month I'm either going to look very silly or like the World's best tipster!