Fight fans in the North West
can look forward to an exciting start to the new boxing season
after the announcement by VIP Promotions that one of Manchester's
brightest young prospects, Terry Flannigan, will
defend his English super-featherweight title against Troy 'Terrifying'
James at the
city's Bowler's Arena on September 22.
Flannigan, 23, picked up the
English strap back in May with an impressive performance against
Newcastle's Dougie Curran. Now, on the 'This Means
War' show, the fighter from Lancashire will put his belt, along
with his unblemished 14 fight ledger, on the line against
Coventry's James in what will undoubtedly be his toughest test to
date.
Troy, with just a single
defeat in 14 bouts, will enter the fight full of
confidence.
Last time out in March, the 28-year-old won his first title, the
Midlands Area super-featherweight belt, with a knockout victory
over the tough Barrington Brown. Against Flannigan, the
Midlander will be absolutely determined not to return home empty
handed.
With both fighters looking
to chase down a British title shot against champion Gary Buckland
in the future, this is a contest neither man can afford to lose.
Flannigan has been asking for a tough test and in Troy James he has
got just that; promoter Steve Wood is confident, however, that the
Mancunian fighter will come through.
"He's turned from a duckling
into a white swan,'" stated Wood. "When Terry turned over
he didn't have a great amateur career, but with every pro fight
he's just got better and better. He listens to his trainer, goes
and spars with anybody, and he's learning his trade really
well.
"This will be an exciting
fight. Troy
James is no mug, he's only lost once and that was in Prizefighter
which anyone could lose in, so Terry will have to be at his
best. At this stage in his career, this is a hard fight for
him, but he needs that now. It's a real test but
it's one I expect him to overcome and then move on towards a
British title."
The quality undercard for
'This Means War' will feature fighters from right across the North
West including Southport cruiserweight Mike Stafford; Ashton
under Lyne's Jon
Kays; Manchester prospects Billy 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
Cookand Jack
Catterall.
More news on the undercard will follow shortly.
With a number of exciting
shows planned for the forthcoming boxing season, including five
before the end of October (check out the website for more details),
VIP Promotions are looking to raise the bar when it comes to
providing quality contests for boxing fans. 'This Means War' is the
start of an exciting few months for the promotional outfit, and
Steve Wood cannot wait to get the ball rolling.
"I'm really looking forward to this show. Bowlers Arena is a
great venue and always generates a good crowd and a great
atmosphere.
People remember it from the old days, with people like Ricky
Hatton,Michael Gomez, and Anthony Farnell all fighting
there. In
Manchester it's known as a top boxing venue.
"We've got a number of
promotions over the coming weeks and with this show we're starting
off with a real bang. There are some great
fights on this one, including the top of the bill, and that's what
we'll be doing with all our shows over the coming months to make
sure the public come and support them."
17/08/2012 00:03:08