New fight date for James Tennyson as Ricky Burns fight falls through

Eddie Hearn is looking for a ‘big fight’ for James Tennyson [28(24)-3(3)] as it appears an eagerly anticipated clash with Ricky Burns [43(16)-8(0)-1] has fallen through.

The Matchroom boss had previously revealed the ‘Irish GGG’ and the three-weight world champion had agreed to fight and up and until last weekend it was assumed the pair would trade leather on a May 15 card.

However, speaking about the Derek Chisora vs Joeseph Parker PPV card after the Benn v Vargas fight night, Hearn revealed Tennyson would most likely return on May 1 alongside Katie Taylor and co.

Indeed, he revealed he was looking for a ‘big fight’ for the knockout artist most were expecting to see in against Scot Burns in the first two weeks of May.

‘The Assassin’ a European champion and world title challenger at super featherweight, has gained real momentum since moving to lightweight.

The-27-year-old, who hasn’t been brought the distance in five years, is now being talked about as a Belfast headliner and could bring Sky and Matchroom back to his home city alongside Tommy McCarthy. As a result, Hearn will want him to fight a name rather than have a keep busy out of the spotlight fight.

Rumour suggests Maxi Hughes, who recently defeated Tenny’s MHD stablemate Paul Hyland for the British title vacated by Tennyson and holds a surprise win over Jono Carroll, is the front runner and has been offered the fight.

However, there has been no offiical conformation in that regard.