Gavin Gwynne believes he will inflict a late stoppage on James Tennyson when the pair collide for the vacant British Lightweight title on August 1.
The pair meet in the opening night of Matchroom’s Fight Camp series, as Eddie Hearn returns following a near five month enforced break.
Gywnne, is aiming to claim the coveted Lonsdale belt at the second attempt after falling short against Joe Cordina last August and insists he has the game plan to handle Tennyson’s renowned punching power.
“This has got a war written all over,” the Welshman said.
“I don’t like to take a backwards step and I know Tennyson just comes forward. He’s a massive puncher and I’ve got to use my boxing ability.
“With Joe it was a totally different fight, I had to go forwards, he’s a lot quicker but Tennyson just holds his feet and just likes to bang away.
“The guys I fight are usually a lot shorter and aren’t as strong as me so I’m the one pushing forward.
“I think I’m going to stop him late on but I know James is going to be on the front foot and he’s going to be trudging forward trying to take my head clean off.
“I’m going to show him my boxing ability and show what I can do on my feet. I’ll show him a bit of my power too.”
Tennyson is four unbeaten, with as many stoppages since moving up to Lightweight, following an unsuccessful IBF Super-Featherweight World title tilt against Tevin Farmer in 2018.
Despite having not mixed at World level, Gwynne is confident of capitalising on the opportunity and becoming just the fourth man to beat the Belfast native.
“He’s a really good fighter obviously. He fought for a World Title a couple of years ago,” the 30-year-old added.
“You don’t get to that level without being a great fighter. I just think I’ve got the beating of him, I really do.
“There’s just something inside me telling me that. Nobody is going to beat me on August 1st.”
Tennyson, 26, says he is eyeing another chance at World honours, but insists he will not underestimate the live threat of Gwynne.
’The Assassin’ is also expecting a fire-fight and believes his vast punching power will prove the decisive factor on August 1.
“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.
“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.
“Get this one out of the way and I’ll start chasing down that World Title.”
Top of the bill sees Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) put his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs).
Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle.
Fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs).
