James Tennyson looking to grab “stepping stone” win against Ryan Doyle

Belfast super featherweight James Tennyson [18(14)-2(2)] wants to kick on and move his career to the next level.

The 23 year old is a two-time Irish champion and BBBoC Celtic champion and will look to enter the world rankings of a major governing body for the first time with a win on Saturday.

Tennyson fights for the WBA International title, with Manchester-Dub Ryan Doyle [14(8)-1(1)-1] making the step up from featherweight at short notice to face him at the SSE Odyssey Arena on the Burnett-Haskins Sky Sports undercard.

The rising Poleglass star believes that the fight offers him an opportunity to move to the next stage of his career and put his foot on the ladder currently topped by Jezreel Corrales.

‘The Assassin’ outlined how “I believe I’m beyond Irish title level. I’m not going to gain or learn much more at that level or by boxing journeyman. I’ve gone through that now. This is a fight that I needed and help bring my career to the next level.”

“I’m very excited, I’m pleased to be a part of the show and hopefully Ryan Burnett becomes Ireland’s next World Champion and these big nights can continue to come back to Belfast.”

Another win for Tennyson off the back of his impressive Irish title victory over Declan Geraghty will certainly put him in the frame for a second shot at the British title, but the big puncher is thinking big picture.

“It’s all work in progress.” he said. “I want to get to World level.”

“This is a great stepping stone to help get where I want to be.”

The Mark Dunlop-managed fighter feels that his style will mesh well with the current English 126lbs champ. Tennyson noted how “I’ve watched Ryan and this is going to be a really entertaining match up. With the WBA International title on the line, it gives it a little more spice.”

“I’ve prepared for a tough fight no matter what so the late change of opponent doesn’t really change all that much for my planning.

“I don’t really go in thinking ‘I’m going to knock this guy out’, I like to box. It’s going to be a good fight for the fans to watch. I’m an aggressive, come forward fighter.”

“Camp has gone well. I’m pretty happy going into the last few days. Now it’s all about getting the weight right, all the hard work has been done now. I’m just looking to get this show on the road now.”

The Burnett-Haskins undercard at present also features an Irish cruiserweight title fight between Luke Watkins and Ian Tims, Feargal McCrory v Paul Holt, Paul Hyland Jr v Adam Dingsdale and appearances from Matt Wilton, Padraig McCrory, Paddy Gallagher, Carl McDonald, Sean Magee, and Tyrone McCullagh, and the return of Mike Perez.

Tickets for ‘Belfast Boy’ on June 10th at the SSE Odyssey Arena cost £30, £40, £60, £100, and £150 (VIP), and can be bought from the boxers involved (which we recommend, although today is the last day tickets are available from the fighters) or HERE.

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