First Britain, then the world – James Tennyson on track for a second world title shot

James Tennyson [12(2)-1(0)] believes he is on course for a second world title shot.

‘The Assassin’ has already dined at the top table, but Tevin Farmer left a sour taste in the Belfast banger’s mouth, retaining the the IBF super featherweight crown when the pair fought back in October of 2018.

The former European champion has since moved up to lightweight and believes he is marching toward another world title tilt.

Four successive knockout wins at 135lbs secured him a Matchroom contract and a shot at the British title.

‘Tenny’ now looks set to fight Gavin Gwynne [26(22)-3(3)] on one of the four proposed Matchroom Fight Camp cards.

Emerge victorious from that Ireland v Welsh bout and he will collect the British title and take another step toward a world tile shot.

“I’m ranked 15th in the world at the minute and if I get this British title shot out of the way, I believe – in a few fights – I could get my world title shot, all being well,” the 26-year-old told the BBC.

The mandate British title fight has yet to be officially confirmed for this summer, but all roads seem to point to Eddie Hearn’s back garden.

Having worked his way up through the small hall scene the unique venue and the lack of crowd won’t be an issue claims Tennyson.

“I’ve fought in smaller shows and also early on in bigger shows when there’s no crowd there so I’m used to that environment as well as fighting in a packed arena,” he adds before revealing he misses the action.

“You don’t hear many people saying they miss getting punched in the face. I’m looking forward to getting punched in the face and letting a few shots go. I’m really missing it and excited to get things back under way again.”

“I’ve been doing my bag work and my running but your fitness is only going to go to a certain level. You need to bring your sparring into play before things can start falling into place.”