James Tennyson moves into pole position for World Title shot
James Tennyson‘s astonishing rise looks like it will continue into the new year, with the Belfast super featherweight set to move into pole position for a world title shot.
The Poleglass puncher has been world-rated with the WBA since winning their ‘International’ belt versus Ryan Doyle in June.
Tennyson [20(16)-2(2)] subsequently defended this belt in October against Darren Traynor and this, along with some moves in the division, may now see him rise to the #1 spot in the WBA rankings.
After entering the ladder at #7 – ‘The Assassin’ is currently ranked #4 at 130lbs, but the road looks to be opening up – with all three fighters above him potentially being out of the picture soon,
#3 Rafael Mensah of Ghana has agreed to face champion Alberto Machado, with the fight to take place some time between January 27th and the end of March.
#2 Javier Fortuna has stepped up in weight, and will challenge IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr in New York on Saturday January 20th.
#1 Jesus Cuellar has not fought since losing to Abner Mares last December and, with no fight schedule, is set to be removed from the rankings.
Tennyson will be a keen observer of the upcoming Machado-Mensah title fight, and a decisive result either way should see him, in theory, climb to top position in the ladder.
The 24 year old headlines an MHD Promotions show at the Europa Hotel in Belfast – ‘Assassin’s Creed’ – on Saturday February 3rd where he will look to consolidate his ranking.
The WBA Super Featherweight rankigns in full are:
WC Alberto Machado
1 Jesus Andres Cuellar
2 Rafael Mensah
3 Javier Fortuna
4 James Tennyson
5 Jezreel Corrales
6 Gervonta Davis
7 Ricardo Nunez
8 Masayuki Ito
9 Carlos Morales
10 Rene Alvarado
11 Yuriorkis Gamboa
12 Leonardo Padilla
13 Alfredo Santiago
14 Guillaume Frenois
15 Dardan Zenunaj
In addition to the boosts received by all ranked fighters after Fortuna and Cuellar drop out of the running, Alvarado and Frenois may move up further in the next edition of the rankings following December wins over Denis Shafikov and Ivan Ruiz Morote respectively.
