Lightweight James Tennyson is a ‘major problem’ says Eddie Hearn

James Tennyson [25(21)-3(3)] has the power to upset world level lightweights and could prove a ‘major problem’ for some big names predicts Eddie Hearn.

‘The Assassin’ helped convert a wider audience to the theory he could upgrade from big to explosive puncher as he transitions into a fully fledged lightweight with an eye catching win on Saturday night.

Having looked devastating with small hall wins over the previously undefeated Gary Neale and tough Spanish based Nicaraguan  journeyman Brayan Mairena, ‘Tenny’ won what was billed as a 50/50 fight against Atif Shafiq [21(5)-3(2)] in devastating knockout fashion. 

The victory on the Vasyl Lomachenko Luke Campbell certainly impressed Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn and wasn’t shy predicting a bright future at the new weight for the recent world title challenger.

The two time Irish, Commonwealth and European champion, still only just 26, looks less vulnerable at 135lbs surmises and even more powerful surmises Hearn.

As a result he could be a ‘major problem’ for any future opponent.

“James is a huge puncher,” Hearn told the Sky Cameras directly after the fight.

“Everyone knows at super featherweight he was huge for the weight. He struggled at times in the big fights and when he moved up to world level against Tevin Farmer he just didn’t have enough in the tank.

“At lightweight I think he is going to be a major problem, major problem. He is not afraid to step into any kind of big fight and that’s dangerous in itself.”

Tennyson’s manager Mark Dunlop is keen for his charge follow through on the proposed British title eliminator with Craig Evans and the team want a shot at the British title currently held by Joe Cordina.

Hearn agrees that is an option, but hints he may be a future option for his Matchroom USA lightweight world title hopeful Devin Hanney.

“You have Cordina versus Gavin Gywne tonight. [A bout subsequently won by Cordina] He would be in line to fight the winner of that or he can back to the States for a big fight,” he adds before reverting to his ‘major problem’ prediction.

“It’s always fun watching James Tennyson fight. I think up at lightweight making the weight like he does he is going to be a major problem.”