Matt Jennings works hard in training ahead of his Senior ABA quarter-final tomorrow. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0511114)
MATT JENNINGS is in the shape of his life as he faces the possibility of a senior ABA quarter and semi-final on consecutive days.
The Guernsey cruiserweight, who is western counties champion, climbs into the ring tomorrow in Sheffield against Ricky Newland and whoever wins will compete in the semi-final on Saturday.
‘Newland is from Peacock Boxing Club, he is the London champion and has beaten two good boys to get this far,’ said Jennings’ coach Graham Guilbert.
‘He got put down in the first, but went on to win so he is going to be durable. He is a tall, clever boxer but I don’t think he is an out-and-out puncher. Matt is going to have to be on this bloke from the first bell and keep closing him down, but he is prepared for that – he is in the best shape I have seen him in.’
Weigh-in tomorrow is from 7 to 9am and the bouts start immediately afterwards, although Guilbert expects the cruiserweight quarter-finals to be towards the end of the day.
There is a distinct possibility that if he reaches the semi-final, Jennings could be up against his old rival, Sonny Jury.
‘Jury has got through to the quarter-finals so they might box each other on Saturday,’ Guilbert said.
‘[If that were the case] I would feel happier with that bout as I know he can beat him.
‘Matt has done all the preparation. He has just got to put it all together now and get that bit of luck everyone needs.’
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