TERRY FLANAGAN will defend his WBO world lightweight title as chief support to Tyson Fury’s rematch with Wladimir Klitschko on July 9, his manager confirmed today.
Steve Wood took to social media to announce the news, after Flanagan told BN last week that there was a strong chance he would appear on the show at Manchester Arena.
An opponent has not yet been announced, though is expected to be sometime next week.
Flanagan was eager to secure a fight with fellow Mancunian and WBA champion Anthony Crolla, though the news that Terry will feature on the July 9 show suggests those talks have hit a slump.
Flanagan’s promoter, Frank Warren, released a statement in which he said a Flanagan-Crolla fight could take place on Sky Sports Box Office but that the fight should be made on a 50:50 basis with Crolla’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Yesterday, Hearn responded to the statement, arguing that the fight does not warrant an even split. He had been in talks with Wood over the fight.
Crolla’s side seem keen to pursue a fight with divison leader Jorge Linares, and while a deal with Flanagan looks unlikely for now, the two Brits could still meet in the future.
Tyson’s cousin, unbeaten heavyweight prospect Hughie Fury, will also feature on the undercard alongside Ricky Hatton-trained heavy Nathan Gorman.
