British Boxing: Michael Jennings Will Face Miguel Cotto For Vacant WBO Title

ByRicky Jones

Longtime WBO mandatory welterweight challenger Michael Jennings will finally get his shot at world honors when he faces deposed WBA titlist Miguel Cotto on Saturday, February 21 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

It’s a massive opportunity for the 31 year old boxer from Chorley, England, fighting one of the top men in the world at the Mecca of boxing in America on a broadcast televised in the US by HBO.

But it’s a double edged sword to be sure as opponent Cotto, 32-1 (26), is coming off a difficult first career loss at the hands of Antonio Margarito and will be looking to show that he is still at the top of his game.

Jennings, 34-1 (16), previously held the British title until a controversial spilt decision loss to Lee “Young Muttley” Woodley in 2006 and has since acquired the WBU belt, winning six straight contests.

The “Chorley Lurcher” possesses sharp boxing skills and as a natural welterweight, could be the stronger man in the ring against Cotto, who moved up to welterweight in 2006 after five years as a light welter.

Be that as it may, Cotto will enjoy a massive edge in experience, having engaged in 13 world title fights compared to none for Jennings and before his hard fought loss to Margarito, the Puerto Rican superstar was unquestionably one of the pound for pound best in the sport.

Will Cotto mentally be the same fighter as before the Margarito loss? Team Jennings is hoping that he won’t be as it presents their man with what could be his best chance to score an upset on February 21 in Madison Square Garden.

Former two-division world champion MIGUEL COTTO, from Puerto Rico, and his opponent, top-rated contender MICHAEL JENNINGS, from England; World Middleweight Champion KELLY PAVLIK, from Youngstown, Ohio and his opponent, No. 1 contender MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO, from Mexico; will hold a news conference to announce their world championship pay-per-view event. Cotto vs. Jennings / Pavlik vs. Rubio, will take place Saturday, February 21, at Madison Square Garden and Chevrolet Centre, respectively, and broadcast Live on Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 P.M. ET / 6 P.M. PT.