“He isn’t Léo Santa Cruz” – Declan Geraghty predicts nothing new from James Tennyson

It’s not quite the Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko style love in – but Declan Geraghty and James Tennyson have been full of kind words and respect ahead of their eagerly-anticipated Irish super featherweight title fight.

Not a harsh word has passed either punchers’ lips since the Waterfront Hall-hosted, Boxnation-broadcast February 18th fight was announced.

The two-time two-weight National Elite champion is happy enough with the rather pleasant pre-fight approach, but warns he doesn’t need bad blood to fuel a desire to draw blood once he steps through the ropes.

‘Pretty Boy’ isn’t one of these fighters than needs his opponent to bring out his mean side.

“It’s a week this Saturday and so far it’s been all good-natured. There has been no mind games. I respect him as a person and as a fighter and he seems to be the same. Any stuff I have read that he has said has been that way anyway,” the Irish title hopeful told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I don’t need to hate someone to want to smash his head in once we step through the ropes. I don’t any opponent, but I still go into do damage and it’s the same going into this fight.”

Despite a lack of any real fanfare the Tenny-Geraghty Dublin v Belfast Irish title fight remains one of the most highly-anticipated clashes for the green strap in recent years.

Not only is viewed as a fifty-fifty pick’em with an ideal clash of styles, it provides both with the chance to register a high-profile kick on-win at crucial stages in their career.

Despite the high stakes, the Dublin fighter cut an ultra relaxed figure just over a week out from the clash and claims he isn’t nervous or even overly excited heading into the mouthwatering contest.

“I have been training hard for this fight. Harder than I ever have. It’s a big fight, but I am not nervous or excited right now. This is about business and getting the job done and I plan to do that,” he added.

“It is great to be fighting for the Irish title, my first title, but it’s better to be doing it against a known opponent that will come to have a go.”

The fight has been billed as a boxer v brawler domestic dust up, but that is something Tennyson refuted when talking to Irish-Boxing.com last weekend.

The MHD fighter, who in fairness has shown more than enough skill over the years to be labelled a mere brawler, has hinted at a box game plan. Geraghty however doesn’t believe the former British title challenger, and predicts Tennyson will employ a come forward approach.

Nevertheless, he warns he has proved he is style adaptable over the years and says he isn’t too concerned with how his opponent approaches the bout tactically.

“He can only fight one way. I read what he said, but he can only fight one way. I have plan A, B and C and I am confident I can deal whatever he comes up with, but he isn’t Leo Santa Cruz is he? He isn’t going to massively change how he fights.”

“If you think about it though, how many styles have I fought over the years. I have seen them all in the amateurs and different ones so far in the pros. I have been boxing all my life and I have won against every style out there.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)