James Tennyson has somewhat quietly gone about his business since turning pro in 2012, but is ready to make serious noise over the coming months.

The Belfast featherweight has forged a ‘one to watch’ reputation on these shores, impressing not least when he claimed the Irish title via sensational stoppage in just his sixth fight, as well as when his strength all but forced former Carl Frampton foe Kris Hughes to quit in a BBBofC Celtic title fight early last year.

However, the MHD fighter, who has amassed an admirable 15-1 record by the tender age of 22, hasn’t beeped on the radar of those off this shores. That is something the Kronk boxer plans to change by this Spring.

‘Tenny’ was due to face Darren Traynor in a British title eliminator on February 6th, but stepped aside to allow the Scot fight Ryan Walsh for the title in the knowledge he will get a shot at the winner of the January 22 clash within 90 days of the final bell.

It’s a massive opportunity for the puncher with 12 stoppage wins to his name and one he is determined he will take.

“I couldn’t be happier with getting the British title shot. Winning the belt will be the biggest achievement of my career so far and it could really kick start things for me. It will move me on to bigger and better things and really get me recognised,” Tennyson told Irish-boxing.com.

“No doubt about it,” he added when asked if he can smell the big time.

“Come the night I think all the hard work that I’ve put in from day one will pay off. I feel I’m more than ready and I’m excited for it coming up.”

Walsh, who is promoted by Frank Warren, is favoured going into the clash but Tennyson wasn’t keen to suggest who he felt would be in possession of the prestigious strap after Janurary 22.

“I’m not sure I’ll not call a winner. I’ll wish both guys the best off luck. May the best man win on the night and I look forward finding out the opponent,” he added before reflecting on a year that got him into mandatory position for the Lonsdale belt.

“2015 has been a great year I’ve progressed massively in my career I traveled away which was a good experience for me and I’m ending the year positively and looking forward to getting 2016 off to a great start.”

Tennyson also claimed has no qualms about stepping aside to allow the clash happen and doesn’t feel an eliminator with Traynor would have proved overly beneficial before challenging for the strap.

“Either way I wouldn’t have minded to be honest. I have a great team who I feel have been making the correct decisions from the start to get me were I am. I have all faith in the decisions they make with this fight and the future fights.”