By Elliot Foster
Martin J Ward looks set to make his first defence of the European title against James Tennyson.
The Essex-based southpaw, a former British champion who has a Lonsdale belt outright after making three successful defences, won the vacant crown against Juli Giner at the back end of 2017 and is set to face the WBA International king in London.
The European Boxing Union revealed on its website that the fight –– a voluntary defence for Ward, whose mandatory challenger is Samir Ziani –– will take place on May 5, as part of a Matchroom Boxing card.
Tony Bellew faces David Haye in a heavyweight grudge rematch on that date, at the O2 Arena, and Tennyson's manager Mark H Dunlop tweeted a fight poster confirming that the showdown is part of the Bellew-Haye II supporting cast.
Tennyson, 24, had been set to box on April 14 at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, as part of Dunlop's 'Collision' show, but the man behind MHD Promotions said that he will no longer be on that bill “as he prepares for this big assignment” on the Sky Sports Box Office-aired card.
“I've gone the traditional route and I'm happy I've done that,” said Ward. “I'm proud to be European champion and I think it's important to defend titles when you win them so this is a good start to 2018 for me after a brilliant year last year.
“I want to progress onto the World stage now. I've won everything there is to win and when I beat James, I want to start working towards getting to World-level. I leave the path down to the team but I believe I am ready now and I'll prove that on May 5.”
“It great to be part of another momentous night of boxing on Sky Sports,” said Tennyson. “Big thanks to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for delivering another big opportunity.
“It feels strange to be taking on someone who you admire. Martin is a great champion but I have a great chance to get my hands on that title and I’m grabbing it and coming back across that Irish Sea with another belt.”
Hayemaker Ringstar-promoted heavyweight Joe Joyce will fight on the bill along with Tony Bellew-managed cruiserweight Craig Glover.
It is also understood that Willy Hutchinson and Michael Page will see action, with more names to be announced soon.
