On a Sports Network card from the Northern English city of Preston, British Welterweight Champion Michael Jennings had to climb off the canvas to overcome challenger Bradley Pryce over the course of twelve hard fought rounds. It was an exciting fight from start to finish as Jennings started slow, allowing Pryce to capitalise on some flaws in Jennings defence. The Welshman dropped the champion

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in the first, but Jennings showed great heart and intelligence by getting his defence up and going into survival mode until his senses returned.

Jennings didn’t look very good on the outside and was losing the long range war until the local hero changed tactics. “The Chorley Lurcher” took over the rest of the fight by being quicker to the punch, scoring with short combinations on the inside during what turned out to be a great war.

By the ninth, Pryce seemed to get his second wind and started using the jab with class, but the challenger was unable to reverse the trend that saw all of the later rounds still going to Jennings. In the twelfth and final round, Pryce was so far behind that he needed a knockout to win and the Newbridge man nearly got it. With only a minute to go in the fight, Pryce caught Jennings with a great right and the champion was all over the place yet still managed to hold on till the final bell sounded.

All three judges at ringside scored the fight 116- 111, 116-111 and 116-112 resulting in an unanimous decision awarded to Michael Jennings.

Interviewed on ITV after the bout, Pryce remarked, “I’m devastated as I had him down and didn’t get the kill. Still a lot for me to work on, I’m only 24 and will pick up the titles in the future.”

When it was Jennings’ turn to be interviewed, the Chorley man gave full marks to his opponent; “A very tough fighter, he caught me off guard. I started too slow and I had to hang on, stick to boxing and get my breath back. He caught me with some cracking shots but I had to overcome. I didn’t fight the style I liked to, I was more tired in the last round and he caught me. Good fight, but not one I’d want every week.Tonight was a hard fight but fair play to him.”

The main co-feature of the ITV broadcast was a contest between super featherweights Kevin Mitchell and Daniel Thorpe.

Thorpe turned out to be a great choice of opponent as the awkward veteran gave Mitchell something to think about by playing the part of counter puncher. Despite the shiftiness of Thorpe’s tactics, by round four Mitchell was starting to figure his rival out. The Londoner began to find range with a few heavy shots, forcing Thorpe’s corner to throw in the towel to the protest of their fighter.

With the stoppage, Kevin Mitchell remains undefeated via a fourth round TKO

After fight, Mitchell spoke to the media, “Felt rusty in the first two rounds, getting caught, but I was getting to him after that Had to faint the jab then left hook to the body and just needed to watch out for his right hand. I hope to fight for a world title soon”

Sports Network’s chief Frank Warren displayed a keen understanding of the game as he commented on Mitchell, “He’s got great talent and can go all the way. He did well getting the fighter of the year award but I want to see him slow down and pick his shots more.”

Celebrated 2004 Olympic Silver Medallist and currently undefeated lightweight Amir Khan was on hand to state his observations of Mitchell as well, “He looked a little rusty to me, but he was winning. “I’d box him next week if I could, and beat him, but it’s up to Frank (Warren) isn’t it?”

Saddoboxing’s exclusive photo gallery by Jane Warburton.

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton/SaddoBoxing.com

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