Headline News

James Tennyson promises to get back on the world title trail on Lomo Campbell card

James Tennyson [24(20)-3(3)] is ready to impress his way back into the world title reckoning on the massive Vasiliy Lomachenko versus Luke Campbell PPV card in London this weekend.

‘Tenny’ has been handed the chance to win WBA international ranking title when he fights Yorkshire’s Atif Shafiq [21(5)-2(1)] at The 02 Arena.

‘The Assassin’ believes the strap will put him on course to secure a second world title shot having challenged Tevin Farmer for the IBF super featherweight world title in American back in October of 2018.

“This is a massive opportunity for me to get back into the world title mix,” he said at Thursday’s final press conference.

“It’s unbelievable to get on such a massive bill so I can’t wait to get in there and get the show on the road.”

‘Tenny’, who is possibly pound for pound the biggest puncher in Irish boxing, is also on course for a British title eliminator with former Stephen Ormond foe Craig Evans [20(3)-2(1)-2]. 

Mark Dunlop and Matchroom won the purse bids to promote the British Boxing Board of Control ordered bout – and this weekend’s clash is not expected to derail those plans.

Rather it’s seen as a massive bonus in terms of a trinket, rankings and exposure.

The 25-year-old Shafiq comes to the ring with 21 wins from 23 fights, but he hasn’t fought at the same level as the former European champion and recent world title challenger.

James Tennyson

Indeed, he has just two wins over a fighters with a winning records and the Tony Dunlop trained Tennyson will be confident of victory.

The 26-year-old has looked impressive since moving up in weight post his IBF super featherweight title reverse to Tevin Farmer, who also holds a win over Jono Carroll.

Tennyson beat Garry Neale in Belfast in February and followed it up with a victory over Brayan Mairena in two rounds in his home city again in May – and while neither were the toughest of tests the two time Irish champion look destructive on both occasions.

The 27-year-old two time Irish champion, former Celtic, Commonwealth and European Champion believes he has now just found his natural weight and believes fans will see just how much better he can be a 135lbs.

“Lightweight has made a massive difference,” he added.

“I feel fit and strong now. Taking off the extra pounds was taking its toll on me, so you will see a difference on the night.”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

x