Friday 10 July 2015 17:56, UK
Terry Flanagan is determined to produce his best in front of his home fans and beat Jose Zepeda to the vacant WBO lightweight title after both fighters successfully made the 135lb weight limit.
The 26-year-old Mancunian (27-0-0-KO10) takes on knockout specialist Zepeda (23-0-0-KO20) at the Manchester Dome on Saturday night but having come face to face with the American, he is not intimidated.
In an interview reported on boxing247.com, Flanagan said: "I was surprised really. I thought he'd be a lot bigger.
"He's confident. He's going to be confident, isn't he? He's a confident fighter. He's what, 23-0 with 20 knockouts so I'm sure he thinks he's going to come in and be knocking me out but that ain't gonna be the case.
I've always said the better the opponent, the better I'll be on the night and I believe we'll that on Saturday.
"I've always said the better the opponent, the better I'll be on the night and I believe we'll that on Saturday."
Flanagan's trainer, Steve Maylett, is equally confident his man can negate Zepeda's power.
He added: "Timing is important and this is the right time for him. He's had his education, he's had his fights, plenty of them - and he's in the right place.
"It looks like his power's in his left hand and once he's got people going he will switch southpaw to take them out - but it doesn't matter which way he fights to be honest.
"It's going to take a special fighter to beat Terry Flanagan and I don't think Jose Zepeda's special."
It's going to take a special fighter to beat Terry Flanagan and I don't think Jose Zepeda's special.
Zepeda, who arrives from California having never made the lightweight limit, is positive over his own chances.
The 26-year-old said: "I'm feeling great, we had a tremendous camp. We're ready for this fight. I know Terry Flanagan's going to be ready and I hope the fans love the fight. I think they will.
"I have never looked for the knockout in any of my fights. The knockout comes by itself. My main point is to win the fight round by round, and if the knockout comes by itself it does. If it doesn't then I'm ready for Flanagan's style and a full 12 rounds.
"I've seen a little of him. A couple of rounds. He's a good boxer, he's 27-0 for a reason, so I'm looking forward to a good fight."
