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Make or break for Hughes' stars

16/ 1/2002

COLLYHURST and Moston boxing club's chief trainer, Brian Hughes, reckons it's make or break time for two of his brightest prospects.

Welterweight Michael Jennings and light middleweight Thomas McDonagh are set to fight on Ricky Hatton's undercard at the Manchester Evening News Arena on 9 February, along with stablemate David Barnes.

But Hughes says they must fight on a smaller stage if they are to make it to the big time.

"They've got to be going for titles this year. But they need to box in eight-round fights first," he said. "They can't get up to eight rounds on the big shows, they're only given four or six because there are so many fights on the bill.

"They aren't gaining anything from that. Don't get me wrong, it's a contest for them, but not the sort of contest they need. Fights at smaller venues would build them up to get the experience for the eight, 10 or 12 rounds. But they won't take a chance on them on big shows."

Hughes added that he had been in contact with Jennings and McDonagh's promoter Frank Warren about the possibility of them making the step up to eight-round bouts.

"The big bills put them in the spotlight, which is great, but they aren't being tested," Hughes said. "I know they can do the longer distances but they need to prove it on their records. It doesn't even matter who they fight, they just need to move on."