Its interesting canvassing people?s opinion over the strange ending to the WBO lightweight world title fight between Terry Flanagan and Jose Zepeda on Saturday evening.
Whilst it is widely acknowledged that Flanagan, courtesy of a TKO, became the first Englishman to ever hold a world lightweight title, it has been suggested to me that if the boot had been on the other foot, with regards to the shoulder injury, many Englishmen would have been calling for the fight to be declared a no-contest.
Interestingly, after the fight, Flanagan declared that he would give Zepeda re-match, although with the big-punching American now having to recuperate from a shoulder injury that may require surgery, the time-scale for such a fight remains uncertain.
But Flanagan is the champion, a beneficiary of the rules that have to be obeyed or else anarchy sets in.
Basking in the glory of being Manchester?s first world champion since the legendary Ricky Hatton, it doesn?t appear as if Flanagan is going to change too much, there?ll be no air?s and graces, it?ll be the same old Terry Flanagan with the NEW champion of the world remarking to the media,
?I?m not bothered about cars. I?d rather buy a house than drive about like I?m someone I?m not.?
At a time when far too many successful fighters betray their roots, it is a refreshing attitude from Flanagan and one that should be admired.
As for how long Terry remains on top of the world, that?ll depend on what path his manager sets for him and how Terry reacts to being the one everybody wants to dethrone.
Flanagan?s NOT for Changing
