Flanagan Saw No Point in Beltran, Confident of Beating Hooker

Terry Flanagan is preparing to become a two weight world champion in 2018, having vacated his lightweight belt last year, and is welcoming all challengers.

Speaking to iFL TV, Flanagan discussed the chance to move up and win another belt: “The opportunity to be two-weight world champion was appealing, I wasn’t getting the fights I wanted at lightweight.

“I’ve been looking to move up, Crawford vacated and I’ve been tight at the weight. I think it’s shown in my last few performances. I think I’ll be a better fighter at super lightweight.”

The defining fights at 135lbs eluded Flanagan and that played it’s part in the 28 year old’s decision to move to his new weight division.

There was a mandatory fight ordered against Ray Beltran, but Flanagan saw very little worth in that contest.

“Raymundo Beltran was my mandatory, he’s old and past it now. I’m not saying he’s not a good fighter but I’d have beaten him. People would’ve said you should’ve beaten him, he’s 35-years-old. It’s pointless,” Flanagan said.

With the move to Super-Lightweight confirmed ‘Turbo’ is expected to face awkward unbeaten Maurice Hooker, the former Champion analysed the rangey American: “He’s 6ft 1, he’s tall but that doesn’t bother me. I think it’ll be a good fight, he’s coming over to the UK. He’ll be awkward for a few rounds, I’ll suss him out and get to him.

“I’ve watched him in a few fights, he’s gangly. He’s a good fighter but me at my best beats him at his best.”

Frank Warren said recently that details of Flanagan's next bout will be confirmed soon.

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