Philippines, 12 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


TENNYSON FACES STRAFFON FOR IBO LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

PhilBoxing.com





‘The Assassin’ fights for world honours on Chisora-Parker undercard

James Tennyson will face Jovanni Straffon for the vacant IBO Lightweight World Title on the undercard of Derek Chisora vs. Joseph Parker in Manchester on Saturday May 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

The hard-hitting Belfast man further enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting contenders in the red hot 135lbs division by taking out Canada’s Josh O’Reilly in one round last time out on the Saunders vs. Murray undercard in December.

‘The Assassin’, 27, produced a ferocious display before the WBA World Title Eliminator was stopped by referee Marcus McDonnell after two minutes and 14 seconds – Tennyson's sixth straight stoppage win since moving up to Lightweight

Mexico’s Straffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) has notched 23 wins since turning professional in December 2010, with 16 of those wins coming inside the distance for the 27-year-old southpaw from Torreon. ‘Impacto’ has lost just three times in 27 fights and has never been stopped.

“Winning the IBO World Title will be a dream come true for me,” said Tennyson. “I have worked my whole life for this moment. This is my big opportunity to complete my collection of belts. I’ve won British, Commonwealth, European and two WBA Titles. All that’s missing is a World Title.

“The other guys holding belts at Lightweight haven’t been putting their belts on the line against each other. Winning the IBO will hopefully dangle a carrot in front of the other World Champions and entice them into a big unification fight. I’m expecting a tough fight, Mexican’s are well known for their toughness. I’ll have to bring my A game.”

“I’ve been working hard for many years to get a fight like this,” said Straffon. “I will not waste it. I will go up in the ring thinking about my two little daughters and how I need to win this for them. Maybe if I win, Eddie Hearn will want to work with me and my team in the future.”

“I am delighted for James Tennyson to be given this World Title opportunity by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Mark Dunlop, Manager of Tennyson. “James is a role model to not only his community but every up and coming young boxer who has the same dream. His dedication to myself, his coach and Eddie Hearn is a lesson to all in the sport of professional boxing and he has been rewarded for that time and time again. He is fully aware Straffon is a dangerous opponent who is coming to take his shot at glory. This fight is only going to end in a shootout.”

“I’m very thankful to Eddie Hearn for giving us this opportunity and I’m delighted to be working with Mark Dunlop,” said Manuel Garrido, promoter of Straffon. “It is a very exciting fight, Straffon will go out there to give the fight of his life because this is the biggest opportunity he has been given in his career.”

Tennyson vs. Straffon is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, Irish star Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs), undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Craig Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs) and Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs).




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Hebert Conceicao Sousa Wins Perilous Unanimous Decision over Johan Gonzalez in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Prudential Center  in Brick City
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • ARGENTINE KO KING CHAVES FACES MADUENO IN LAS VEGAS
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Team USA Clinches Eight Medals At 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Weights From ‘Mielnicki vs. Huerta’ Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Boquiren to face Olmillo in RFL on April 18
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • USA Opens Strong at 2026 Gee Bee Tournament In Helsinki
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Filipino chess prodigy Nika Juris Nicolas eyes Woman International Master title
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Blazen Rocili "The Filipino Giant" Dominates in Statement Victory at "Rumble in the UNE," Improves to 10-0
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Oppas to face Lu on April 11 in Australia
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Ilar, Infiesto to play in Guevarra Chess Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Pabular to face Kitano on April 13 at Korakuen Hall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Five reasons why IBA NOMAD 14 in Almaty is worth watching
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Antonio bounces back in Sydney International Open Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Los Angeles Prospect Jahvad McDermott
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Abu Bakar ready to rumble against Singh on April 11
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Atty. Aldwin Alegre is set to compete in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 to be held at the Luxurious Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Thailand from April 11-19, 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in  Las Vegas
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • IBF lightweight eliminator tops IBA.PRO 17 card in Ufa
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Biasong fights Bustrillo on April 18 in Bukidnon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Olmillo fights Boquiren on April 18 in RFL
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.