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James Tennyson registers sensational statement knockout win on Lomachenko Campbell card

James Tennyson registered a swift, brutal and sensational statement win on the massive Vasiliy Lomachenko versus Luke Campbell PPV card in London this afternoon. 

The former world title challenger put Atif Shafiq’s lights out with a massive left hook to cement his status as pound of pound Ireland’s biggest puncher and claim the WBA international ranking title at lightweight. 

The Yorkshire mover had looked like he was beginning to find his feet in the second round, but the ‘The Assassin’ finally pinned him on the ropes and all landed a tremendous short left hook, a shot that had his opponent out on his feet.

A few shots followed before the referee had time to step in, but in truth Shafiq was gone from the first shot. 

The Belfast Kronk fighter stalked from the off and let heavy hands go in the same ring as he beat James Tennyson.

Shafiq did throw and try and gain the Belfast fighters respect, but it was a double win for ‘Tenny’ in terms of he won a tight round and put in some ground work that would reap dividends later on. 

The former Ingle Gym fighter was doing things right in the second stanza, but looked tense and had to be work hard to keep the 26-year-old at bay. 

Then just as it looked like he was going to win the round Shafiq became the latest victim of Tennyson’s power.

The former two time Irish, Commonwealth and European champion should secure a top 15 ranking with the WBA after claiming the belt. However he 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 it’s more than possible that is the path they will continue to follow.

An October Evans fight was mentioned by Mark Dunlop post the win, Tennyson seems just happy to fight while Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn was talking about the potential of more big Stateside fights.

What is clear is the Lisburn fighter looks to have found his natural weight.  The fighter, who at just 26 already has a career as storied as some 36 year old battle hardened veterans, carries such presence and power at lightweight that you couldn’t argue against him knocking any potential opponents at the weight out if he lands clean.

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

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