James Tennyson to defend European title on Matchroom show

James Tennyson [22(18)-2(2)] looks set to make the first defence of his European title on a Matchroom show against French opposition.

The Assassin claimed the super featherweight version of the blue strap as well as the Commonwealth title when he got up off the floor to stop Martin J Ward in London on last month.

There were suggestions ‘Tenny’ may make full use of his #2 ranking with the WBA to push toward a world tilt – while a number of domestic names had looked for a fight with the big-punching 24-year-old.

However, as Ward had taken on Tennyson in a voluntary defence, Tennyson needs to make an immediate mandatory defence to keep his European title and this is the route he looks set to take.

The Belfast Kronk fighter will fulfill his mandatory obligations and defend against Frenchman Samir Ziani [27(5)-3(0)-1] in the near future.

Delayed purse bids for the fight were lodged at EBU headquarters today and Eddie Hearn emerged the winner meaning he bought the right to promote the fight.

As a result, the MHD fighter will defend his title against the Blagnac boxer on a yet to be confirmed Matchroom card.

It’s quite possible the clash could act as chief support to Ryan Burnett’s WBSS opener in Belfast around September time.

Ziani, who is managed by Cork man Gary Hyde, is a two-time national champion and never losing the French belt in the ring.

The 27-year-old’s three defeats have come to strong opposition, being narrowly outpointed by countrymen Samir Kasmi, which he avenged, and Guillaume Frenois for the EU and European titles respectively as well as losing a close decision in Denmark to Ghanaian former world title challenger Richard Commey.