Headline News

James Tennyson targeting Matchroom star ahead of return to World Level


James Tennyson [23(19)-3(3)] wants to get back to World title level soon but has a British title pitstop in mind.

The Poleglass puncher fights for the second time this Saturday since his loss to IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer

At the Europa Hotel Tennyson, who is now operating up at lightweight, will face game Nicaraguan journeyman Brayan Mairena and ‘The Assassin’ is keen to get back fighting world-level operators.

Looking back on the Farmer experience in Boston, Tennyson described how “I loved it and want more of it. It was a great experience – apart from the defeat – and I learned so much that night.”

“Fighting for a world title is the pinnacle and I want to get back to that level. Once you have been there once, you want to be there again.

The fighter and his manager, Mark Dunlop, are plotting a route back to the top and believe the British title could be a good stepping stone to set up major contests in 2020.

Rio Olympian Joe Cordina currently holds the Londsdale belt along with the Commonwealth title

Signed to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, with whom Dunlop has a strong working relationship with, Cordina [9(7)-0] claimed the belt last month with an impressive stoppage win over Andy Townend.

Tennyson, though, is confident of his chances against the rising Welsh star following his ‘Summer Brawl’ outing this Saturday night in Belfast.

The 25-year-old explained how “I want a win at the Europa Hotel against Brayan Mairena and then start getting involved in big fights again before the end of this year.”

“I would love a shot at the British title which is held by Joe Cordina.”

Tennyson previously challenged for the British title down at featherweight where, weight drained, he was beaten by Ryan Walsh.

During his sensational super featherweight run, ‘Tenny’ knocked out Martin J Ward to win the European and Commonwealth titles but his foe had vacated the British belt shortly beforehand.

dpg

logo may

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

x