Mark Dunlop’s ‘Stand and Deliver’ show taking shape

Mark Dunlop’s ‘Stand and Deliver’ card on February 7 is taking shape, with James Tennyson and Paul Hyland Jnr co-headlining the Devenish Complex event. Tennyson is aiming to solidify a domestic ranking as he closes in on British title honours and will be keen to shake off the ring rust against Simas Volisinas.

The Lithuanian visitor has mixed in good company since turning pro in 2011 and has boxed the likes of Anthony Cacace, Richard Commey and Martin J Ward. Tennyson boxed twice in 2014, starting with a victory in April over Hungary’s Ignac Kassai before posting a comprehensive schooling of tough Englishman Ian Bailey in May. James sat out the rest of the year but is back now and raring to go.

Lightweight prospect Paul Hyland Jnr has suffered no such spell of inactivity. The 24-year-old made his debut in the Devenish on the Tennyson-Bailey undercard and enjoyed four fights in total throughout 2014. ‘Hylo’ now tackles Bulgaria’s Yordan Vasilev on February 7. “One man’s loss is another man’s gain” was the reply from the Lagmore talent when manager Mark Dunlop asked him if he was he interested in stepping up to headlining status alongside Tennyson, following Dee Walsh’s withdrawal from action.

All-action middleweight John Hutchinson has been added to the running order as he chases the Irish title dream. The ‘Buncrana Banger’ fought for the light-middleweight version in Reading last March but was defeated on points by Peter McDonagh. Hutch has boxed Darren Cruise and Gerard Healy (twice) during a nine-fight career. His opponent at the Devenish will be English southpaw Liam Griffiths.

The show includes home debuts for Tyrone McKenna and Ciaran McVarnock. Unbeaten in five (two knockouts) McKenna has been plying his trade over in the United States but returns home to box Teodor Stefanov at welterweight. McVarnock, meanwhile, has won both of his professional bouts in Liverpool and is back on Irish soil in a paid capacity to tackle super-featherweight Aivaras Balsys over six-twos.

Further down the card talented Roscommon super-middleweight Darren Cruise continues his ring revival against perennial survivor Iain Jackson. Galway’s Alan Donnellan boxes Omagh favourite Dee Taggart and Michael McKinson returns to Belfast to face Aleksas Vaseris.

Tickets, priced at £40.00 VIP Ringside & £30.00 Unreserved, are available from the boxers, The Devenish Complex or Mark Dunlop. Tel. 07712473905 email: mark@mhdpromotions.com.