Tennyson confident he will prove he is above domestic level tonight- chasing big 2020 fights
James Tennyson [25(21)-3(3)] believes he can prove he is above domestic level and set up some big lightweight fights in 2020.
The Belfast fighter takes part in a British title eliminator in Liverpool tonight.
Beat Welsh fighter Craig Evans [20(3)-2(1)-2] on the big Matchroom show and he will be assured of a shot at the Lonsdale belt.
However, ‘Tenny’ seems to suggest a win over Evans will prove he is above domestic level. ‘The Assassin’ wants big fights in 2012 and it seems he may look beyond the Lonsdale belt, especially if Joe Cordina vacates.
“I believe I will show my class. A lot of people say I am above domestic level. Do I agree, yeah I do, but this will confirm it for me. It will reveal where I am at,” Tennyson told Seconds Out.
Put a gun to the former European super featherweight champions head and you’d still struggle to get a call out.
However, there are some massive Matchroom lightweights, you could assume the MHD Fighter is hinting toward.
They may be a win or two more away, but fights with Devon Haney and even Luke Campbell are easy to make.
“I am not a guy for calling people out, but listen I want fight for some big titles next year. I need to get past Craig Evans to do so, so I am well prepared to get the job done.
“There are a few guys out there who have made a good name for themselves, I’d fight any of them. I am a fighter I’d fight any of the top guys out there. I have just as much chance as anyone else.”
⚖️ #TennysonEvans@JamesT931: 9st 8lbs 12oz
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 22, 2019
Craig Evans: 9st 8lbs #SmithRyder pic.twitter.com/ZldvH3LAhx
As the recent world title challenger stated more than once, he has to first deal with Evans before he can target the bigger fights.
The 26-year-old is favoured to do just that, but Irish fight fans will be aware it’s no easy fight. Evans is tough and clever, he twice beat Stephen Ormond and has less defeats than the Belfast fighter.
The Tony Dunlop trained fighter seems well aware he faces a test and claims he is expecting a hard night.
“Craig Evans is a real classy gutsy boxer. he is coming to win. I know he is a hard worker and I am expecting a tough night.”
Tennyson has looked monstrous in terms of punching power since moving up to lightweight – and some are suggesting that dig represents his best route to victory tonight.
However, he claims there is more to him than a punch and that they have trained for varied style 12 round fight.
“A lot of people have been saying about my power, but I have been training for 12 rounds and a hard fight, boxing, hit and move, whatever needs be. I am well prepared,” he adds before expanding on the power that has brought him 21 knockouts.
👊💣
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 23, 2019
'The Assassin' @JamesT931 looks to cement his spot as mandatory challenger for the British Lightweight Title tonight! #TennysonEvans #SmithRyder pic.twitter.com/QCUeCh8Ryn
“I never go in with the intention of knocking a guy out. If the opportunity presents itself I take it. It’s been working so far so good.”
