James Tennyson halts Josh O'Reilly in opening round of WBA lightweight title eliminator as promoter Eddie Hearn names Jorge Linares as possible next opponent for Belfast man
Saturday 5 December 2020 08:55, UK
James Tennyson ruthlessly stopped Josh O'Reilly in the opening round as he remained in contention for a WBA lightweight title fight.
The Belfast man had far too much power for his Canadian opponent, flooring him on two occasions during a whirlwind victory in a WBA final eliminator at The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Tennyson has stepped up a division after being halted by Tevin Farmer in an IBF super-featherweight fight, but promoter Eddie Hearn wants to deliver another major bout at 135lbs, naming Jorge Linares as a likely next opponent.
O'Reilly's unbeaten record was in peril from the opening seconds and he tumbled over following a cluster of punches from a fired-up Tennyson.
A cuffing left hook sent O'Reilly crashing to the canvas again and his legs betrayed him amidst a follow up assault by Tennyson, prompting the referee to step in.
"I was expecting a tough night here with Josh," said Tennyson.
"Six straight knockout wins at lightweight
"I'm feeling a heck of a lot stronger."
