Jennings relieved to retain title

Michael Jennings admitted he was down and almost out before rallying to retain his British welterweight title with a barnstorming points win over Bradley Pryce in Preston.

Jennings was scrabbling for his senses after being decked by a right hook in the opening minute when it seemed Welshman Pryce was set to pull off a remarkable comeback win.

But the Chorley champion regrouped to grab a deserved 116-111 (twice), 116-112 points win and extend his unbeaten professional record to 28 fights.

Jennings said: “I started a bit slow and he got right into it. I had to keep to my boxing and hang on and I got my breath back.

“Bradley caught me with some cracking shots but you get caught with shots like that and you have got to overcome your hard fights if you are a champion.”

Pryce could not make the most of his chances and Jennings gradually clawed his way back on top in a fast and furious contest in which the pace never slackened.