Unbeaten Manchester lightweight Terry Flanagan (27-0) moved to the brink of a world-title shot after beating Stephen Ormond in Wolverhampton on Saturday night. Fighting for Ormond's WBO European title, the Irishman was sensationally disqualified in the the 10th round for excessive use of the head after having been previously deducted a point and being warned on two other occasions.

“It was hard in there. Ormond is a tough, tough, fighter, but I've had to overcome fighters like him before so I know that I’m ready for the world title," Flanagan told BoxNation.

"He probably got frustrated in there because I was getting on top with my punches and he used his head. It was a heat of the moment thing, but now I’m over the moon to be now fighting for the world title.

"I didn't get my boxing off enough - when I did it made the rounds easier. He's made me work for every minute of every round and when I win the world title I'll give him a rematch because I have loads of respect for him.

"I knew Stephen was looking to come on strong in the later rounds because he's a fit lad - but so am I. I do 12 rounds all the time in the gym so it's not a problem.

"But I made it harder for myself by not boxing more - when I do that I can beat anyone."

Dejected Ormond, meanwhile, could only apologize for his actions after seeing his world-title hopes ruined.

"I let myself down in there - I was beaten by the better man and I can only apologize," he said.

"I couldn't get into my groove and I wanted to rough him up and try and make it into a fight - it was one of those things and I'm sorry for it."