James Tennyson puts lightweight heavy hitters including Hanney and Garica on notice

He didn’t quite reach the summit at super featherweight, but James Tennysonn [26(22)-3(3)] is adamant he can win a lightweight world title.

Indeed, the fighter, who lost to Tevin Farmer in a 130lbs IBF world title fight, believes he could mix it with the likes of lauded names such as Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.

Tennyson has looked a different animal since moving up to lightweight. The former Irish and European champion has certainly carried his power up the scales, but seems to have left any punch resistance issues down at super feather.

‘The Assassin’ has registered four eye catching stoppage wins since changing weight – his last two against Atif Shafiq and Craig Evans being particularly impressive – and is now one win away from British title success.

However, it’s not just domestic level the Mark Dunlop managed fighter believes he can achieve at. Tennyson has his eyes on the world scene and believes there are champions there he can dethrone.

Pound for Pound star Vasiliy Lomachenko dominates the division at present holding two world titles and the WBC franchise belt, but once the Ukranian moves aside ‘Tenny’ believes everyone else is fair game.

“I think that Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez are the two top men at the weight,” said Tennyson when speaking to Chris Lyod for Matchroom.

“Once Lomachenko moves down it opens up the whole division. As for the other guys like Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney I am confident I can mix it with any of them and win a world title at this weight.”

Tennyson was due to battle Welshman Gavin Gwynne for the vacant 135lbs British title at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in May before the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Irish-boxing.com believe a rescheduled clash is being lined up for Matchroom’s Fight Camp – and the recent Matchroom signing insists he has no problem with taking the fight behind closed doors this summer.

“With how things are I would fight behind closed doors not a problem,” said Tennyson.

“I’ve seen the venue for Fight Camp at Matchroom HQ and it looks great.

“When you fight on the big shows early it’s usually empty barring your own support so it wouldn’t make much difference.

“Like a lot of fighters, I have itchy knuckles and have plans of becoming a world champion – because of that I need to get this fight, win, and then kick on.

“This will be my first British Title win, I’m really looking forward to it and it will be a great fight against Gavin Gwynne.”