CHORLEY boxer Michael Jennings knows he could get the chance to fight for the vacant WBO world title if he beats Kell Brook next month ? but he is determined to focus on the task in hand rather than thinking too for ahead.
Jennings takes on British rival Brook in a long-awaiting welterweight clash at Birmingham?s LG Arena ? formerly the NEC ? on September 18 in an eliminator for the world title.
The 32-year-old was previously the world WBU champion but his only challenge for one of the four more mainstream belts ended in defeat to WBO title holder Miguel Cotto ? regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world ? in New York last February.
Victory against Brook, though, could give him an easier route to the WBO title. Jennings would become the mandatory challenger and current champion Manny Pacquiao is expected to vacate, with the Filipino legend due to move up to light middleweight to fight Antonio Margarito in November and retirement also on the cards in the near future.
That could mean a fight for the vacant title, with American Mike Jones, Mexico?s Saul Alvarez, Ghanaian Josh Clottey and Poland?s Rafal Jackiewicz also high up in the rankings and possible opponents. Jennings beat Jackiewicz in 2004.
?I?m not sure what will happen but if I win I would be the mandatory for the WBO title,? said Jennings.
?Obviously the WBO champion at the moment is Manny Pacquiao but I think he might vacate, so I might get the chance to fight for the vacant title in my next fight.
?But first I have to beat Brook and I?ve never been one to look too far ahead.
?I have to focus on this fight.?
