MICHAEL Jennings is ready to go toe-to-toe with Jimmy Vincent for the vacant British welterweight title.

The Lancashire bomber, who impressed on the Hatton-Tszyu undercard a fortnight ago, was named number one contender after defeating Gavin Down at the Manchester Arena.

Champion David Barnes was forced to vacate the title after opting to contest the Commonwealth belt - a fight he eventually lost against Ghanaian Joshua Okine.

Now the undefeated 27-year-old, a Collyhurst stablemate of Barnes, is ready to line up on the same card as Amir Khan when he makes his professional debut at the Bolton Arena.

"I'm bitterly disappointed for David to lose his British title in that manner because I'm a big believer in that you should lose your title in the ring," said Jennings

"However, I am confident that I will beat Vincent and bring the title back to our gym.

"I was in David's corner the night he beat Vincent to win the title and have seen him up close plenty of times and know that his style will not change against me."

Jennings is undefeated in 26 fights, with 16 knockouts, but knows he is in for a tough fight against Birmingham-born Vincent - who was controversially beaten by Barnes two years ago.

"He's tough man who never takes a backward step," said Jennings. "He has a high work rate but this will suit me down to the ground with my counter-punching style as I will box him off the backfoot and break him down with my jab.

"It will be a very tough fight but I know my ability and believe that I am up there with the best in the domestic division and now is my time to prove it."