The Brit will enjoy several advantages when defending his world title for the first time against the American at the Manchester Arena on Saturday
Luck was certainly on Mancunian Terry Flanagan’s side in July when he fought the unbeaten Jose Zepeda for the the vacant WBO lightweight title.
After a fierce opening round, American Zepeda shockingly dislocated his shoulder in the second and was forced to retire on his stall, handing the honours to an overwhelmed Flanagan.
The Brit returns to Manchester on Saturday aiming to prove he deserves his title against game challenger, the American Diego Magdaleno.
The similarities between the two fighters are remarkable.
Both adopt the southpaw stance, while neither has ever been KO’d.
Flanagan’s record is 28-0; Magdaleno’s is 28-1.
Finally, the Brit boasts a 39 per cent KO ratio compared to the American’s 41 per cent.
The close nature of the fight is reflected in the odds: Flanagan is the narrow favourite at 4/6, while Magdaleno is 6/5.
‘Turbo’ Flanagan’s incredible 2015 has propelled him up the British Lightweight rankings – just behind Anthony Crolla and Kevin Mitchell, who have both established themselves at the highest level.
Magdaleno, meanwhile, has responded superbly from his world title loss to Roman Martinez in 2013, going on a five-fight winning streak and accumulating three KO’s along the way.
But a series of small advantages give Flanagan the edge.
Firstly, the Mancunian will have the support of a home crowd at the Manchester Arena – a potentially-decisive factor if a fight is very close.
Secondly, the 26-year-old is the taller man by three-and-a-half inches.
His opponent is only 5ft 6in, meaning ‘Turbo’ can keep the fight at long range if he wishes.
Thirdly, the 28-year-old has only ever fought 12 rounds twice before – and one of those ended in defeat.
Neither fighter carries great power, so this one should go the distance.
That favours Flanagan, particularly considering Magdaleno’s loss came via split decision.
Fourth and finally, Flanagan does not know what it is like to lose.
Magdaleno, however, has and that will be the case again on Saturday.
