Headline News

James Tennyson happy to take his time after team turn down World Title shot


James Tennyson [20(16)-2(2)] is happy to play the long game.

‘The Assassin’ was offered the chance to fight WBC super featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt [32(28)-1(1)] last month, but his team elected against it.

The decision surprised some and while Tennyson was keen to try and rip the belt from the Mexican on February 10th in Cancun he seems comfortable with the decision made by manager Mark Dunlop.

After some consultation with Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, Dunlop felt the money on offer was laughable and presumably felt comfortable in the knowledge that, at just 24, his charge has time on his hands.

The decision not to travel to fight in the Bull Arena was also made easier by the fact the Poleglass puncher is ranked highly with the WBA and could secure a fight with that governing body on more favourable terms before the year is out.

Tennyson, who held firm at #4 in the WBA’s rankings which were updated today, would have welcomed the “big opportunity” – but understands the reasoning behind the rebuttal and takes solace from the fact he is closing in on a shot at the black belt.

“It was a big opportunity but it was out of my control. My team deals with all that and the fight just didn’t come off. It’s great for me to be in the mix for big fights like that. But I’m pretty sure my shot with the WBA is going to come up shortly,” he told the Belfast News Letter.

“All I have to do is keep on winning and we’ll see what happens throughout the year,” added the Poleglass puncher.

The next step toward Alberto Machado and that title takes place in the Europa Hotel this coming Saturday.

The two-time Irish champion faces Arnoldo Solano [14(2)-14(0)] in the headline bout of the MHD ‘Assassin’s Creed’ show and is confident he will start a massive year with a bang.

“It’s going to be a massive year for me. I’m well ranked with the WBA and there are some big fights in the pipeline and I am ready to deliver.”

The card also features Feargal McCrory, Karl Kelly, Dan McShane, Stevie Quinn, and Ronnie Clark.

dpg

irishboxing

Integral part of the Irish boxing community for over 13 years

x