Flanagan seeks convincing lightweight title defence over Magdaleno

After claiming the WBO world lightweight crown from Jose Zepeda in July, Manchester ace Terry Flanagan is out to prove a point in his first title defence against mandatory American challenger Diego Magdaleno (28-1, 12 KOs).

This weekend, the Manchester Arena was initially set to host the middleweight showdown between Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders, but a cut to the latter fighter in sparring has seen Flanagan become the main event on his home turf.

The 26-year-old secured the lightweight strap three months ago when the former champion Zepeda dislocated his shoulder during their bout and was unable to make to the third round. After the unfortunate manner in which Flanagan lifted his title, the Mancunian is out to make a statement and prove he is the world’s best 135 pounder, as he enters his bout as odds-on 8/11 favourite with Coral for a successful defence.

“It’s always a big occasion when the Americans fighters come over to Britain and especially when there’s a world title on the line,” said Flanagan.

“There’s that extra heat because the Americans are big, loud and brash and think that they’re the best so it makes you train that extra bit harder to give them a good hiding in the ring.

“I know that Britain has a special relationship with the Americans with very close political, cultural, trade and military links. We stand side by side in any armed conflicts, but on the night that me and Magdaleno fight, hostilities will be ignited and the only trading that will be done is between me him.