Ryan Doyle “snatched the opportunity” to have first Irish pro fight against James Tennyson

Stepping up in weight to take a fight at four days notice, it could be easy to dismiss Ryan Doyle [14(8)-1(1)-1] ahead of tonight’s action in Belfast.

‘Ruthless Ryan’ stepped in to replace Ben Jones in one of the chief supports at the SSE Odyssey Arena whee Ryan Burnett will look to take the IBF bantamweight title from Lee Haskins.

Doyle fights home favourite James Tennyson [18(14)-2(2)] on the Matchroom card and would stress that he is in fighting shape ahead of the WBA International title fight.

For one, the 25 year old hasn’t been pulled from the couch or the pub, and Doyle told Irish-Boxing.com that “I was supposed to fight next week in a six rounder or an eight rounder, a tune up fight because I’ve been out with injury for a while.”

“This fight has come along and I’ve snatched the opportunity.”

In terms of the weight, it’s a long-term move that was always planned and Doyle explained how “I’ve already accomplished a lot at featherweight, I became English champion.”

“I think the step-up is at the right time for me to move up in weight. I’m big for the weight [126lbs], so I’m comfortable at super feather.”

While it has come out of nowhere, it will be a special night for Doyle. Manchester-based, his roots are in Dublin and the proud Irish boxer described how “I come from a massive Irish background, my dad’s Irish.”

“It’s my first fight in Ireland, I boxed over here as an amateur, professionally for the first time.”

“We’ve got about 50 coming, which is not bad for four days notice!”

While Doyle admits to knowing “not a massive amount” about Tennyson, he is expecting a tough fight.

The Steve Wood-managed boxer outlined how “I know he’s a big puncher, he’s big at the weight, he’s a good solid professional.”

“He doesn’t do a lot wong, he’s a good fighter.”

If he can overcome ‘The Assassin,’ Doyle has his eyes on more domestic titles – namely the British title which will be contested by Belfast’s Anto Cacace and champion Martin J Ward on July 15th.

“Hopefully I get the win on Saturday and I can push on to that British super featherweight title,” said Doyle.

The Burnett-Haskins undercard also features an Irish cruiserweight title fight between Luke Watkins and Ian Tims, Feargal McCrory v Paul Holt, Paul Hyland v Adam Dingsdale and appearances from Padraig McCrory, Paddy Gallagher, Matt Wilton, Sean McGoldrick, Sean Magee, and Tyrone McCullagh, as well as 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 HERE. or at the door.

LISTEN: Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill speak to Luke Keeler and Paddy Barnes on Episode 6 of The Irish Boxing Show: