CHORLEY boxer Michael Jennings has his sights set on a challenge for the British welterweight title in September.

The former WBU world champion was stopped by Miguel Cotto in the biggest fight of his career in February, with his opponent now set for a clash with Ricky Hatton’s conqueror Manny Pacquiao.

Jennings returned to action with a fourth-round technical knock-out victory over little-known Northern Ireland fighter Willie Thompson in May and now wants to fight for a title in the next few months.

The 31-year-old, known as the Chorley Lurcher, had initially been aiming for a European title fight against Poland’s Rafal Jackiewicz. But has now switched his focus to the British belt, which he lost to Young Mutley in 2006.

Kell Brook makes his third defence of the welterweight crown against Michael Lomax on the undercard of Amir Khan’s world title fight on July 18 but may then opt to vacate and make a bid to be world champion.

Jennings, who is promoted by Frank Warren, said: “I’m back in the gym now but boxing goes quiet between July and September so I’m looking at fighting again in September, probably for the British title.

“Kell Brook has got his defence on July 18 but I don’t know if he’ll vacate yet.

“I’m going to that show and I’ll probably sit down and speak to Frank Warren then.

“I’m not too sure what is happening with Jackiewicz, whether he is vacating.

"It’s all gone a bit quiet.

“He probably is a bit wary of me because I’ve beaten him before, but it would be a good fight and I don’t see why it can’t happen.”