Flanagan (29-0, 12 KO) was making the first defense of his belt, which he won due to odd circumstances back in July, as Jose Zepeda had to retire from the fight after two rounds due to a shoulder injury. I have the world title now, so Shane Mosley should be calling me out.
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“Deep down I know I’m the best in the country but if I was to lose a fight I probably wouldn’t get another shot, I’d have to rebuild”.
I think “Beefy” is one of those fighters that needs a fight that will give him a challenge – and this should get the best out of him.
“Crolla and Mitchell, they’ve got the backing of Sky so they’re more out there in the public, but I’m number one”. I missed out on winning the British title first but hopefully I will be the first to win a world title.
Late on I knew I was hurting him. “I’ve still trained as hard as ever and I’m confident of winning”.
Promoter Frank Warren added: “That’s one of the best performances we’ve seen (from a British fighter) for many years”.
“So I’m looking forward to being the first to this and seeing all the fuss around me”.
The plucky Thompson tried to beat the count but referee Marcus McDonnell rightly waved it off as Smith lifted the world title in his 22nd fight with his brothers Paul, Stephen and Callum watching ringside.
The sixth was an absolute masterclass from the 27-year-old who had Thompson running around the ring like a rag doll and only saved by the bell.
Smith becomes the first boxer from the city to win a world title outright in 22 years, with Derry Mathews now holding an interim world lightweight title.
In fact, the American told the assembled media that the press conference was the last time that they would see the belt, although he promised to share pictures on his Instagram should anybody become nostalgic.
“Their fighter got knocked out in two rounds by Galarza”, he countered.
“I could end up having a tough night on Saturday, anything can happen, that’s boxing”.
Liam Smith announced himself on the biggest stage in the hottest division on the planet with a stunning knockout of American John Thompson.
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But in the third, Smith showed signs that this was going to be his night as he finally found a way through for his right hand.
