Martin J Ward talks to Danny Flexen about the Tevin Farmer vs James Tennyson contest
While an upset victory for James Tennyson over IBF super-featherweight champion Tevin Farmer on October 20 in Boston would also enhance the reputation of Martin Ward – by virtue of his own against-the-odds defeat to the Belfast puncher in May – the Brentwood-based contender feels it is a tough ask for his recent five-round conqueror.
Ward, who returns from that setback a week after Farmer vs Tennyson on a loaded Matchroom show at London’s Copper Box, gives the 22-2 (18) Northern Irishman a huge amount of credit for taking his European belt but believes his style may not work as well against an on-form 26-4-1 (5) champion who has not lost since 2012. He analyses their contest, which takes place on the same show as Billy Joe Saunders vs Demetrius Andrade and will be shown on DAZN and Sky Sports.
“I don’t think Tennyson will win,” Ward, also a former British and Commonwealth ruler, says reluctantly. “He should be there for a few rounds but he hasn’t got the style to beat Farmer. Tevin Farmer is a very slippery customer, I think I’d fare a lot better against him because he whips body shots up good and James is a bit soft around the belly. But as long as he gives a good account of himself at world level I’ll be happy for him. He’s a big strong lad who can whack, and he’s a lot bigger than Farmer, but I think Farmer will be too cute for him.”
Ward would love the chance to avenge his only professional defeat if Tennyson does continue his penchant for proving the bookies wrong, but understands that the latter is more likely to seek lucrative engagements.
“Tennyson would look for a few quid if he wins,” Ward adds, with empathy. “He’d get quite a lot of money against a big name. He beat me on that night and he has the same dreams as me, so fair play to him.”