“That IBF is already my World Title” – Jono Carroll targets Farmer-Tennyson winner
Jono Carroll‘s shot at a world title has been delayed somewhat but this is no issue for the Dublin super featherweight.
Following some online back-and-forths, Carroll [16(3)-0] looked to be in pole position to challenge new IBF champion Tevin Farmer this Autumn or Winter.
Philidelphia’s Farmer had hinted that Carroll would secure the fight but, last night, it emerged that another Irish fighter, Belfast’s James Tennyson, would take on the new champ at the TD Garden in Boston on October 20th.
The Poleglass knockout artist sensationally stopped European champion Martin J Ward back in May and looked set to defend next month versus mandatory Samir Ziani but was last night revealed to be Farmer’s next foe on the big Matchroom USA show.
Some have suggested that the somewhat surprising announcement is a setback for Carroll but the IBF third-ranked fighter has taken the news in his stride.
In the 26-year-old’s mind, he is already the holder of the red belt, and he will get his chance to physically hold the title sooner rather than later – potentially by dethroning another Irish fighter.
Carroll had been critical of Tennyson and his team’s decision to turn down a short-notice shot in Mexico at WBC champion Miguel Berchelt in favour of the Ward continental title tilt, but ‘King Kong’ is rooting firmly for his fellow Irishman on October 20th.
READ: Jono Carroll slams James Tennyson
While a nice rivalry had been brewing online with Farmer, Carroll is keen to partake in the first ever all-Irish world title fight and can envision a big Belfast clash in the new year.
The Marbella-based fighter has been building good momentum in the Titanic City with three successive wins on TV cards and a clash with Tennyson [22(18)-2(2), which previously was hard to envision, is perhaps the most exciting fight in Irish boxing, putting together two punchers with extremely exciting styles.
Carroll let his thoughts be known on Twitter this afternoon.
That IBF is already my world title.
It dont matter who is holding it right now.
But great fight I hope my Irish man gets it and brings it home for the Belfast show down 😍— jono carroll (@jono_carroll) August 23, 2018
Having last fought in March, it would seem likely that Carroll will fight again before targeting the winner of the title fight in two months time.
With Tennyson being a voluntary for Farmer, Carroll may aim to get into the mandatory position by defeating another highly-ranked fighter – with former European champions Guillaume Frenois and Devis Boschiero the two men rated ahead of him.
