by Ryan Burton
On June 9th the Terry Flanagan (33-0) versus Maurice Hooker (23-0-3) clash for the vacant WBO 140 pound title will finally take place.
It was originally planned for April 14th but was pushed back when the Billy Joe Saunders-Martin Murray headlining fight was pushed back to June 23rd due to an injury suffered by Saunders.
Now the fight will take place as the co-feature of the return of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury who faces Sefer Seferi after more than a two-and-a-half year layoff.
As far as Hooker is concerned, he is only focused on his fight and could care less who is fighting in the main event.
"It don't matter to me. I just have to do my job. I am ready to fight," Hooker explained.
The 28-year-old American was very confident before the fight was postponed and is even more sure of himself now. He has said on more than one occasion that he believes Flanagan is looking past him.
"I think he is overlooking me. I am ready to go over there and shock him. It is motivating me even more," Hooker stated.
Hooker had previously served as a sparring partner for former undisputed super lightweight champion Terence Crawford who unified all 4 major titles last August. Crawford will now face Jeff Horn for the WBO welterweight title also on June 9th as he looks to become a three-division champion.
When Crawford vacated all 4 belts the division became wide open and Hooker wants to take full advantage of the opportunity.
"I am happy Crawford moved up. He already made history and made his mark to go to the Hall of Fame. Now it is time for me to make my mark. It is my time. I am here to fight any of them guys in the division. I just stay in the gym and stay prepared. It is my time to show the world I am the best at 140. It is time for me to shut up and put up," Hooker told BoxingScene.com.
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