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MUTTLEY'S TOO DASTARDLY FOR JENNINGS
Michael Jennings suffered the first defeat of his professional career as West Bromwich puncher Young Muttley claimed the British welterweight title with a split decision victory.
Chorley stylist Jennings looked like he had done enough to grind out the victory in the second defence of the title he won against Jimmy Vincent last year.
But it was 29-year-old Muttley whose arm was raised at the Nottingham Arena to the delight of his travelling support from the Black Country.
"I was very surprised when I heard the decision," Muttley told ITV4.
"I've got to thank Jennings for giving me the chance. I knew what I had to do, I knew I had the strength and in training I worked harder on my fitness.
"I was going to pack it in (boxing) because people have been avoiding my a light-welterweight but I got this chance and I took it.
"I knew I had the power to knock him out. I was looking for the big shots too much, it's a bad habit I've got.
"I'll give him a rematch - I'll be fitter and stronger next time. I look forward to it."
Muttley edged a tight verdict 116-113 on two of the judges cards, while judge Howard Foster favoured Chorley man Jennings 115-113.
Muttley took his big chance in style having largely had to build up his impressive 20-fight record away from the limelight.
Muttley - real name Lee Woodley - started cautiously against Jennings who had been involved in one of the fights of the year when he beat Bradley Pryce in October.
Jennings was beginning to emerge as one of the small-hall stars and was expected to use his extra experience to see off his latest opponent's challenge.
But from the moment a sharp left-hand counter stopped the champion in his tracks midway through the second round the favourite knew he had a fight on his hands.
Muttley continued getting through with occasional lefts while Jennings failed to threaten despite showing smarter boxing skills.
An exciting fourth round preceded a dominant spell for Jennings in the middle rounds with Muttley - who had only previously gone 10 rounds once - appearing to tire badly.
But the challenger got his second wind in some style, trading good clean left hooks in the ninth and nicking the 10th to set up a grandstand finish.
Muttley once again ended the fight the busier of the two and although both fighters staked their claim to victory at the final bell it was Muttley who was finally awarded his major breakthrough win.
Michael Jennings suffered the first defeat of his professional career as West Bromwich puncher Young Muttley claimed the British welterweight title with a split decision victory.
Chorley stylist Jennings looked like he had done enough to grind out the victory in the second defence of the title he won against Jimmy Vincent last year.
But it was 29-year-old Muttley whose arm was raised at the Nottingham Arena to the delight of his travelling support from the Black Country.
"I was very surprised when I heard the decision," Muttley told ITV4.
"I've got to thank Jennings for giving me the chance. I knew what I had to do, I knew I had the strength and in training I worked harder on my fitness.
"I was going to pack it in (boxing) because people have been avoiding my a light-welterweight but I got this chance and I took it.
"I knew I had the power to knock him out. I was looking for the big shots too much, it's a bad habit I've got.
"I'll give him a rematch - I'll be fitter and stronger next time. I look forward to it."
Muttley edged a tight verdict 116-113 on two of the judges cards, while judge Howard Foster favoured Chorley man Jennings 115-113.
Muttley took his big chance in style having largely had to build up his impressive 20-fight record away from the limelight.
Muttley - real name Lee Woodley - started cautiously against Jennings who had been involved in one of the fights of the year when he beat Bradley Pryce in October.
Jennings was beginning to emerge as one of the small-hall stars and was expected to use his extra experience to see off his latest opponent's challenge.
But from the moment a sharp left-hand counter stopped the champion in his tracks midway through the second round the favourite knew he had a fight on his hands.
Muttley continued getting through with occasional lefts while Jennings failed to threaten despite showing smarter boxing skills.
An exciting fourth round preceded a dominant spell for Jennings in the middle rounds with Muttley - who had only previously gone 10 rounds once - appearing to tire badly.
But the challenger got his second wind in some style, trading good clean left hooks in the ninth and nicking the 10th to set up a grandstand finish.
Muttley once again ended the fight the busier of the two and although both fighters staked their claim to victory at the final bell it was Muttley who was finally awarded his major breakthrough win.