BOXING coach Brian Hughes says Michael Jennings is not getting the television coverage he needs to help make him a champion.

Chorley welterweight Jennings stopped Birmingham's Leroy Williamson at the end of the fourth round on Saturday to earn his 18th professional win and maintain his unbeaten record.

Hughes hoped he would be able to fight for the vacant British title later this year but believes that opportunity may now go to a more high profile boxer.

"Michael is a dedicated athlete, he never gets into trouble outside the ring and he is a superb craftsman of his sport," he said.

"He sold three quarters of the 1,200 tickets because of his popularity but cannot even get a mention on Sky television when less talented but more hyped up fighters are getting blanket coverage.

"Sky officials agreed he was a good boxer but said he couldn't punch, but he has stopped his opponent in his last five matches.

"He deserves better treatment than what he is receiving."

The 25-year-old, who trains with former WBC super-middleweight champion Robbie Reid at the Collyhurst and Moston Boys Club in Manchester, sold more than 800 tickets for his bout at Preston Guild Hall.

But Hughes reckons he could be in danger of losing such a strong fan-base if promoters continue to leave his fight until the end of the bill.

"The fans who bought tickets to watch Michael are mostly young adults. They expect to see their favourite box at a reasonable hour then go out and celebrate afterwards, but they put him on at the end of the night," he said.

"Michael has had 18 fights and won them all in style. I don't believe he has even lost a single round, but the fans might decide he is on too late and not buy a ticket next time."