Confident Jennings cautions Cotto
Chorley's Michael Jennings believes victory over Miguel Cotto in New York on 21 February will be his ticket "into the big leagues" of boxing.
Jennings will be a huge underdog when he challenges 28-year-old Cotto for the vacant WBO welterweight belt.
"Training camp has gone really well and I feel in the shape of my life," said former British champion Jennings, 31.
"I've never been sharper, and unless Cotto is taking me 100% seriously then he's in for a nasty surprise."
Puerto Rico's Cotto is a former two-weight world champion but lost his last fight against Mexico's Antonio Margarito last July when he was stopped in the 11th round of a thrilling contest
However, the validity of that result has been called into question since Margarito was banned for a year after it was revealed hard pads were discovered in his gloves ahead of his defeat to Shane Mosley on 24 January.
Cotto, who has one defeat from 33 fights with 26 knockouts, said he would not be taking Jennings lightly.
"I'm ready for the fight," said Cotto "I'm not thinking of anyone else. I'm focused on Michael Jennings."
Jennings, who has one defeat from 35 fights with 16 knockouts, is a former British welterweight champion but lost his title to West Bromwich's Young Muttley in 2006 and has never fought anyone in Cotto's class.
Cotto won the WBO light-welterweight title in 2004 and made six defences before stepping up to 147lb and winning the WBA title at his first attempt.
Common Mikey Jennings!!