Manchester’s Terry Flannigan says he will face his toughest career test when he makes the first defence of his English super-featherweight title against Troy ‘Terrifying’ James on ‘This Means War’ at Bowler’s Arena on September 22. With his sights set on more ambitious future goals, the 14-bout unbeaten fighter is also insistent he will have nowhere left to go if he loses to his opponent from Coventry.
“I’m expecting a hard fight and I’m training for a hard 10 rounds; he’s going to come for a go so it’s going to be a good, tough fight. I’ve seen a bit of him and I know he’s short, strong and likes to come forward but I’ll handle him OK. I reckon it’s going to be my hardest fight but if I can’t beat him then there’s no point in me boxing because I want to go onto a higher level than the English [title].”
After picking up the English crown last time out in May against Newcastle’s Dougie Curran, ‘Turbo’ Terry knows if he can maintain his unbeaten tag then a crack at British honours shouldn’t be far down the line. With this incentive in mind Flannigan, 23, has been Trojan-like in training and is relishing boxing in front of his home crowd where he is confident he will register career win 15, and possibly get early victory number five.
“I can’t wait now; I’m training hard and just want it to be here. I’ve been sparring Gary Sykes, Josh Warrington, and Liam Patrick Walsh, so I’ll be in the best shape. I’ve boxed at Bowler’s a couple of times and it’s a good venue. I’ve sold quite a few tickets and he’ll have a few come down, so it should be a good atmosphere. I’m highly confident I’ll beat him and might even get a late stoppage.”
Terry will be stepping in with an opponent, however, who is just as determined to leave the arena with a win. Troy enters the contest also acknowledging the bar has been raised, and that he will have to produce a career best performance to return home as champion. With just a single defeat in 14 bouts though, and as the Midlands Area ruler after a knockout victory over renowned tough guy Barrington Brown in March, James, 28, is similarly convinced he will come out on top.
“I’m very excited and really looking forward to it. I don’t know too much about him but obviously he’s unbeaten in 14 fights so he’s got something about him, hasn’t he? To date he’s my hardest and toughest opponent. Training’s going excellent; I’ve been given six weeks off work, so I’m training full time and loving it. To win that belt would mean everything, simple as that. I’m very confident and I’m not going there to lose.”
“This is a really competitive fight,” stated VIP Promotions’ chief Steve Wood, “but when there’s a title on the line you wouldn’t expect anything else. Both have similar records and Troy will be determined to cause an upset, but I think Terry has a British title in him. This bill topper will definitely be a great contest, and I’m excited about the rest of the card too. This is the first of five shows for VIP Promotions over the coming weeks and it’s an excellent way to start the new season.”
The undercard for ‘This Means War’ will feature fighters from across the North West including Southport cruiserweight Mike Stafford; Ashton under Lyne’s Jon Kays; Manchester prospects Jimmy Kelly, Matthew Ryan and Ryan ‘Dangerous’ Doyle; as well as Manchester-based American Adrian Gonzales. Also appearing will be Wales’ undefeated Mark Evans, along with debutants Callum Cook and Jack Catterall.
‘This Means War’ will be at Manchester’s Bowler’s Arena on September 22. Tickets, priced at £30 (General) and £50 (Ringside), are available from all boxers or at www.vipbe.co.uk
Keep updated on VIP Promotions’ news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter @vipboxing. Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv
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