Jennings believes Askin can slay Wesh dragon

Fight trainer Michael Jennings is banking on Matty Askin winning the biggest bout of his career when the St Annes boxer bids for the British cruiserweight title at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Friday night.
Matty Askin fights for the British cruiserweight title on FridayMatty Askin fights for the British cruiserweight title on Friday
Matty Askin fights for the British cruiserweight title on Friday

Askin meets Craig Kennedy on the Channel 5-televised promotion as he and his team have put together a battle plan to bring the Lonsdale Belt back to the Fylde Coast.

Jennings, who trains Askin with his brother Dave, said: “We know what Matty is capable of in the gym and we are confident that he will be able to show what he can do in the ring on Friday.

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“It is a big fight and a chance for Matty to impress, which he needs to do and we are sure he will.

“Kennedy is a straightforward fighter. Nothing stands out and we know pretty much what he will produce.

“We have seen what Kennedy can do and we have also seen some flaws in his arsenal, which we intend to exploit on the night.”

Askin has been doing some extensive sparring in the build-up to Friday, including going in with Kansas-based Nigerian, Olanrewaju Durodola, a real banger, who has won 25 fights, 23 of them by way of knockout.

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Michael Jennings said: “Durodola is a world-class fighter and the sparring with him has gone well.”

Durodola is preparing for a big fight of his own as he is due to box for the World Boxing Council silver cruiserweight title next month.

Askin has also been sparring with a promising, unbeaten cruiserweight, from Manchester, Jordan Thompson.

Askin has now had his last spar and is due to travel to Wales for a public workout in Cardiff city centre, prior to the weigh-in on Thursday.

It will be Askin’s second attempt to win the British title.

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His last challenge was in March, 2015 when he lost to Ovill McKenzie.

Askin looked to be on top in the early stages of that bout at York Hall but McKenzie came on strongly down the stretch to take the verdict.

The Cardiff promotion also features flyweight Andrew Selby against Cristofer Rosales, of Nicaragua.

Fred Evans, an Olympic silver medallist, will make his professional debut on the Cardiff promotion.

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