James Tennyson believes that he has found his perfect weight after moving up to the 135lbs division as he prepares to challenge for the vacant British Lightweight title next month.
Tennyson has finished his last four of his contests inside the distance in brutal fashion, which has set up a clash against Gavin Gwynne on 1 August.
The big-hitting Belfast powerhouse was originally scheduled to face Gwynne at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in May before Covid-19, but he now gets the opportunity to make it two knockouts in a row over Welsh opponents following his 11th round stoppage win over Craig Evans.
An impressive six-fight unbeaten streak at super-featherweight saw Tennyson secure his first world title shot against IBF champion Tevin Farmer in Boston in October 2018.
Tennyson claims to have suffered badly in attempting to shed weight before the fight and insists he feels much more comfortable at lightweight as he looks to mount a fresh world title charge.
The bout with Gwynne will take place at an outdoor venue in Essex.
He said: "My last few fights at super-featherweight were starting to really push me on the weight as the fights went on.
"Once the fight with Tevin Farmer came about it was one fight too many with doing the weight. I'm a natural lightweight now, it’s not a push or a struggle to do the weight. I’m feeling strong, fit and healthy at the weight.
"Things have gone from strength-to-strength for me with four straight knockout wins so the move up in weight has done me good.
"Not cutting that extra few pounds is really helping my performances, I’m a lot stronger at the weight which makes a big difference. My record shows that I’m one of the hardest-hitting lightweights in the division at the minute.
"I prepare for 12 hard rounds, but of course I’ll always be looking for that moment where you can just end the fight.
"My experience and my power will be a big factor in the fight. It always presents itself at some stage, it’s just when that opportunity arises, whether it’s round one or round twelve, I’ll pounce on it."
The stage, despite being held in the headquarters of his promoter Eddie Hearn with no spectators, will be a big one for the Belfast boxer.
A victory will propel him into the spotlight once more.
He concluded: "This is a massive fight for my career. Gavin is a real tough lad. We’re both two come forward fighters and I believe that our styles are going to gel. It’s going to be a good war and I feel like this is a must-win fight for me. I’ll be ready come fight night.
"You can’t look past Gavin because he’s a big tough guy but down the line I want another world title shot. [If I] get this one out of the way I’ll start chasing down that world title."
