Big Dog James Tennyson hints at permanent weight switch ahead of comeback clash

Big-name big puncher James Tennyson [22(18)-3(3)] wants a return to the big time and possibly at a bigger weight.

The Belfast fighter returns to the ring in the headline fight of the ‘A Night To Remember’ card at the Ulster Hall tomorrow night and for the first time since his IBF super featherweight world title defeat to soon-to-be Jono Carroll opponent Tevin Farmer.

The former British title challenger at featherweight and European champion at super feather retains big fight and title ambitions and points out his clash with Garry Neale will be step one on the road back to the top.

Tomorrow’s bill topper will play out at lightweight and ‘The Assassian’, astonishingly still only 25 years of age, revealed he may stay at 135lbs.

Not only does the fighter already noted for his power believe he will be stronger at the new weight, he feels that there are massive fights to be had in the division which houses the likes of Lewis Ritson, Scott Cardle, Ricky Burns, and even stablemate Paul Hyland Jr.

“Maybe at lightweight you will see a lot better fighter. There are a lot of big fights, massive fights, and I want to be involved in them. Let’s start ogf Saturday and get the win and go from there,” Tennyson told Irish-boxing.com before admitting that a decision needs to be made.

“After this I am going to sit down with my team and see how we get on. The weight has been a bit more comfortable and handier for me to make. Listen, when you doing a big weight cut it may affect your performance so if lightweight is going to suit me that bit better I could be a lot sharper and stronger.”

The majority of Tennyson’s big fights have seen him come in as underdog, particularly against Ward, who he ripped the European title from in sensational fashion, and also at domestic level against Ryan Walsh and on the world stage against Farmer.

However, he is the potential scalp going into the fight against undefeated Pompey puncher Neale.

The MHD fighter is well aware that the Portsmouth native will be up for the fight and will come trying to change his career.

He is also adamant that he approaches each fight the same regardless as to whether he is the underdog or big dog.

Tennyson explained how “He is 10 fights unbeaten. He is obviously working hard behind the scenes. A win here is going to change his career.”

“I am sure he is coming confident and I am sure he is going to give 100 percent,” the Polegalss power-puncher added before stressing that he is still the same fighter that worked his way up from the small hall.

“It hasn’t changed me in anyway shape or form. I am still training the same and giving 100 percent. I need a win here too. Get myself back up there and get some big fights at lightweight. I am putting the work in.”