Full season of training could increase chances

MATT JENNINGS is gearing up for the Senior ABA Champion-ships. At the end of March, the island's premier boxer will take part in the south-west regional tournament.

If successful, he goes on to the second round, quarter-finals and then on to the national finals in April.

The 30-year-old Jennings will battle it out in the cruiserweight category.

He is also stepping up a level to the open class.

But the powerful Sarnian is feeling good.

'I'm not sure what's around at my weight in the south-west, but I'm quite confident,' he said.

'We'll see what happens. It's quite good that it's more to the end of the season.

'I'll have a full season of training to get ready for it. I doubt I'll be much fitter.

'I'll plan to get further than last time.'

Jennings was crowned western champion in 2003 but failed to get to the finals that year.

In 2000 he won the national heavyweight in the novice class.

Jennings wants to pit himself against the best amateur boxers in the country.

'Really just testing myself,' he said.

'The last four lads whom I've fought have been in the open class.

'I've got to box these boxers to get the bouts.'

After being defeated by Rob Boardman at the end of last season when he was caught by the Bristol boxer and counted out in the final round when he was clearly ahead, Jennings put on a more considered performance against Jury early last month.

He secured a unanimous points decision as he went the distance in the four two-minute rounds bout.

He kept things tight to pick up points and did not go for booming shots.

Jennings says he is going to take this approach into the ABAs.

'I'm trying to box a bit more, be sensible and not leave myself open as much,' he said.

'I've got to think that way now because there are some good lads about and they can all hit hard.'

Before the national championships, Jennings hopes to be in action in two dinner shows on Friday 25 January and in early March.

He is also due to fight at the big boxing event of the year, the Open Show, which will be at Beau Sejour on Saturday 23 February.

As all his bouts will be open class standard, they will be four rounds long instead of the usual three.

But as he showed against Jury, he can handle the longer fight.

'It's a bit more tiring,' said Jennings.

'That's why I'm doing them to try and see how I feel over four rounds, to give me a test. I now know that my fitness is fine with four.'