Terry Flanagan Out to Affirm World Champion Status

By Olly Campbell - 10/06/2015 - Comments

Unbeaten WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan (28-0, 11ko) is keen to cement his status as a bone-fide world titlist this Saturday night in Manchester against American mandatory challenger Diego Magdaleno, following his ‘unsatisfactory’ title win over Jose Zepeda three months ago.

Flanagan was denied the chance to fully prove himself against Zepeda, when the previously unbeaten American popped his shoulder towards the end of the 2nd round, rendering him unable to continue.

Although delighted to be crowned champion with that victory in July – which was technically ruled a TKO – the unassuming Manchester fighter is keen to make a proper statement against the Top Rank promoted Magdaleno (28-1, 12ko) and claims he is relishing the UK/US rivalry the fight naturally brings.

“It’s always a big occasion when the American fighters come over to Britain, especially when there’s a world title on the line,” he said. “There’s that extra heat because the Americans are big, loud and brash and think they’re the best.

“It makes you train that bit harder to give them a good hiding in the ring. We stand side by side [with them] in armed conflicts but on the night hostilities will ignite, and the only trading that will be done is between me and him.

“Once I deal with Magdaleno, there will be no questions about my credentials of being world champion,” he added.

Flanagan/Magdaleno tops the Queensbury “WW3” card in Manchester, that also features Liverpool’s Liam Smith in his first world title tilt, facing another American – John Thompson – for the WBO 154 lb strap.

All the action will be broadcast live on Boxnation from 5.30pm.

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