Flanagan Claims WBO Lightweight Belt

Last night, at the Velodrome in Manchester, Terry Flanagan became the latest Briton to become a world title holder.

Taking on the American fighter, Jose Zepeda, for the vacant WBO lightweight title, a fighter who was unbeaten and who had knocked 20 of his 23 opponents out, Flanagan was the recipient of a piece of fortune when Zepeda, was unable to come out for the third round.

The American fighter, who had caught Flanagan with some hard punches in the opening round, threw a punch in the second round and dislocated his shoulder.

Although he bravely continued and finished the second round, Zepeda was unable to come out for the third round leaving Flanagan the victor by a TKO.

In taking the vacant WBO lightweight belt, Flanagan becomes the first Manchester fighter to hold a world title since Ricky Hatton whilst also extending his unbeaten record to 28-0.

However, Flanagan had some sympathy for Zepeda and insisted he wanted to give the American a re-match, remarking after the fight,

‘I want to prove that I’m the better boxer.

‘I thought he’d just hurt his shoulder.

‘I had started to get my range, and I knew I was going to win that fight.

‘Now I’m world champion I can start believing in myself. Lifting a world title is unreal.’

Although Flanagan would have prepared the end of the fight to come along by a different means, his elation is understandable and we offer our congratulations.