James Tennyson turns down World Title fight
Belfast super featherweight James Tennyson [20(16)-2(2)] was offered the chance to fight for a world title next month, but the opportunity was turned down.
Folloing a stellar 2017 in which he rose to #4 in the WBA rankings, Tennyson caught the attention of the team of WBC champion Miguel Berchelt [32(28)-1(1)].
Despite not featuring in the most recent WBC rankings, Poleglass 24-year-old Tennyson was seemingly sanctioned as a voluntary defence for the Mexican who next puts his belt on the line on February 10th in Cancun.
However, the offer was turned down due to financial reasons.
Tennyson’s manager Mark Dunlop revealed to Belfast Live that “James earlier this week was sanctioned by the WBC to face their champion Miguel Berchelt for the world title in Cancun, Mexico on February 10th.”
“On paper this would appear to be a dream come true for James after all the hard work he has put in to reach this stage of his career.”
“But after talks with Eddie Hearn we were advised that the fight was worth treble what was on the table.”
Berchelt won his world title last January, dethroning Francisco Vargas via eleventh round stoppage. He would defend the belt in July with a dominant points in over Japanese fighter Takashi Miura.
The 26-year-old is still without an opponent for his bout at Plaza de Toros in three weeks time.
Tennyson is ranked #4 with the WBA by virtue of winning and defending the organisation’s ‘International’ belt with successive stoppages over Ryan Doyle and Darren Traynor on big Matchroom cards in Belfast.
The WBA champ is Albert Machado, and will defend against #2 Rafael Mensah next. #1 Jesus Cuellar is set to drop out of the ladder soon due to inactivity, while #3 Gervonta Davis is expected to step up in weight.
Tennyson returns to action at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on Saturday February 3rd where he headlines the MHD Promotions ‘Assassin’s Creed’ bill in a keep-busy bout against Nicaraguan journeyman Arnoldo Solano [14(0)-14(2)].
The card also features Feargal McCrory, Karl Kelly, Dan McShane, Stevie Quinn, and Ronnie Clark.
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
