Flanagan captures WBO lightweight title after injury to Zepeda

Terry Flanagan (28-0, 10 KOs) defeated previously unbeaten Jose Zepeda (23-1, 20 KOs) to capture the vacant WBO lightweight title on Saturday night at the Velodrome in Manchester.

The Manchester man triumphed during the second round after his American opponent sustained what looked like a bad dislocation to his left shoulder and was unable to continue.

Southpaw Flanagan, 26, looked to be beginning to dominate after an even first round. The Briton caught Zepeda with a left hook to the body in the second. Moments later Zepeda looked in serious trouble following a clash of arms and was in agony over a problem with his shoulder.

Flanagan was awarded the TKO victory when Zepeda didn’t come out for the third round.

"He hit me but I didn't feel anything," said Flanagan. "I want the rematch. I want to prove I'm the better boxer. I want to fight and beat him again without the shoulder injury."