New Year’s Resolutions: James Tennyson – “These are the fights I need and want”

There was no dream 2016 for James Tennyson [17(13)-2(2)], who fell to a fifth round stoppage defeat in his big British title challenge against Ryan Walsh.

The big-punching Belfast boxer however has not let the defeat get him down. Despite being only 22 at the time of the loss, Tennyson is mature with his appraisal of the knockout reversal and intends to learn from the disappointment.

‘The Assassin’ spoke to Irish-Boxing.com and described how “I’d definitely say 2016 was a big learning year for me. Of course there was disappointment losing out on the British title shot – but I am still young and have plenty of time on my side. If anything, having the experience while still young and fresh in the sport will have done me the world of good. It hasn’t knocked me back in any way I’m still here, hungry, and looking forward to this year’s boxing.”

2017 will see Tennyson make the step back up to super featherweight. Known for his power at 126lbs, the former BBBoC Celtic champion stressed that this wont be diminished at the higher weight and, if anything, it will actually be enhanced.

Tennyson believes that “fighting at super feather will benefit me. Although I was able to make featherweight and come in under the weight, it was draining and taking a lot out of my energy and power away. I think the move in weight is for the best health and career-wise.”

The Poleglass man doesn’t intend to waste time either at the new weight and, after just one warm-up, will take on Dublin southpaw slickster Deco Geraghty [14(4)-1(0)] for the Irish title – a belt he held back during his initial spell at super feather.

Jumping almost straight back in to a major fight could be construed a risk, however Tennyson notes how “there was no issue at all. These are the fights I need and want. Although I’m young, these are the fights that are going to give me more vital experience at this stage of my career and drive me on in the sport. It’s a massive fight within Irish boxing and these fights excite me. My main target is getting that Irish super featherweight title again, so that’s what my sights are set on – though I want a busy and successful year ahead of me.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show