Jennings unable to be paired for opener

IT'S THE same old story for Matt Jennings as he is left without a fight for the first Dinner Boxing Show of the season tomorrow night. Throughout his career, the island's number one boxer has suffered from a lack of quality opposition and no-shows.

The hard-hitting 29-year-old light heavyweight was due to face Britain's number three, Joey Ainscough, and top the bill at St Pierre Park when Guernsey take on the North-West Counties.

Jennings said, even after another disappointment, he was not going to hang up his gloves.

His record and experience make it difficult for him to be matched against suitable fighters.

'It is a little bit disappointing but I'm not going to jack it in,' he said.

'I've really got no other option. I've had 28 bouts, won 22 and stopped 19 and that's what goes against me.

'The coaches don't want to match me in case their lad gets stopped.'

The 27-year-old Ainscough is not making the trip from his home city of Liverpool as he has made it through to the final of the ABA Championships in two weeks' time after he beat Caine Brodie on Friday.

Ainscough won the championship in 1999.

'If he boxed Jennings and got stopped, it's an automatic 28 days out: he can't even train,' said Guernsey's coach Graham Guilbert. 'I've got Jennings a fight in Bristol on 9 December against Richard Boardman. He's had 30 fights, won 19, he's quite strong and he'll come at Jennings which will suit Matt's style.'

Another Sarnian boxer not on tomorrow night's card is Callum Pearson.

The fearsome middleweight is proving to be a big hit with the home supporters whenever he steps into the ring.

Alderney's best Adam Rose also does not have a bout.

In their absence, light

middleweight Shane Le Patourel is topping the bill.

'He's looking sharp, he's looking well,' said Guilbert.

Local under-12 boxer Tom Maunder, opens the proceedings on his competitive debut.

Another home boxer to look out for will be James Woolnough when he takes on Martin Ryan in their light-welterweight bout.

The talented 16-year-old was not quite himself towards the end of last season.

'He's looking well, he's more aggressive' said Guilbert.

'He's been a bit tentative. Friday will show how he's doing but I think he's turned a corner.

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'I had a little chat with him to be more determined. He's got the ability, he's a clever boxer, he's got quick hands and he gets into the right positions,' Guilbert said.

'The nerves have been getting the better of him and he needs to get the controlled aggression part.'

Woolnough in his last few bouts had also been guilty of leaving himself open when attacking and subsequently he was getting caught too often. He's been working on that and he agrees with his coach's evaluations.

'I lost my last fight and I'm hoping to improve in this one and come out with a win,' he said.

'I think I've turned my training up to another level so it should be a better performance. I'm not as square when I fight as I was and I've changed a few things.

'I should be a better fighter on the night.'

Despite some of the big names not featuring, Guilbert reckoned the evening would provide some top entertainment.

'All the bouts should be quite even,' he said.

'I don't expect a win in case it does not come about but if it does then it's a bonus. Some you win, some you lose, but we're hopeful.'