Tennyson targets Matchroom’s Cordina and his titles

Having settled into his new weight James Tennyson is back on the title hunt.

The former European super featherweight champion wants lightweight straps- and has set his immediate sights on the British and Commonwealth titles currently held by Matchroom prospect Joe Cordina.

Speaking after his second fight since moving up a weight class and his second win since his world title defeat to Tevin Farmer last year, the Belfast Kronk fighter revealed he now wants a return to title action.

“I’ll have a week off and then back to the gym. My manager Mark Dunlop will have something in the pipeline. I want to get another belt round my waist at lightweight – and the Commonwealth and British titles would be nice. But we will have to wait and see.”

Typical of ‘The Assassin’ he wasn’t keen to name names, but manager Dunlop has been mentioning Cordina as a potential foe and it’s obvious it’s a fight Team Tenny want.

When pushed on it the 25 year old did allow the Welsh 27 year olds name pass through his lips.

“Listen Joe Cordina has belts and I will happily go for them.”

The Tony Dunlop trained fighter was speaking after registering a 20th career stoppage win. This time Brayan Mairena was his victim, but the Nicaraguan certainly didn’t go down without a fight.

The journeyman noted for his durability took some seriously weighted leather for just over a round leaving the watching Europa Hotel crowd as impressed with his chin as Tennyson’s punching power.

“He was tough as old boots,” Tennyson agreed.

“Even when it was stopped he was still looking for a wee bit more. He could take a shot fair play to him. He didn’t curl up in a shell either. He tried to throw back fair dues to him.”

While Mairena’s bravery was apparent on the Summer Brawl card so was Tennyson’s power. Everything the MHD fighter threw seems to sting his opponent and the noted puncher at feather and super featherweight points out he feels even stronger at lightweight.

“When I was at featherweight and super-featherweight just cutting those extra few pounds at the end maybe cut my power a wee bit. At lightweight I am loads more comfortable. I feel fitter and stronger.”

Tennyson’s CV is as such he could retire now and go down as an accomplished achiever. The Belfast fighter has challenged for British titles at two weights, is two time Irish champion, won a European title and dined at the top table in a world title fight.

However, the unassuming fighter is adamant he is only getting started. The banger’s is only approaching his peak years and believes the best has yet to come.

“Everything is still in front of me. I am only 25 and I have a lot ahead of me. I will continue to work hard and I believe one day I will have a world title around my waist. I am still maturing, still growing, still getting stronger and I believe I have a lot more to offer in this sport.”