Liverpool boxer Anthony Fowler is set to return to the ring next month to defend his WBA International Super-Welterweight title against Jack Flatley.
The bout will feature on the undercard of Jono Carroll vs Scott Quigg on March 7 at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports.
The fight will be his first under new trainer Shane McGuigan after teaming up with fellow Matchroom fighters Lawrence Okolie and Luke Campbell at the Canterbury base.
A rematch with bitter rival Scott Fitzgerald surely remains at the top of Fowler’s wish list for 2020, but the Commonwealth Games gold medalist will face a tough test in Manchester.
Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs), a former English Super-Welterweight Champion, has only lost once in his 18-fight career.
‘The Machine’ is coming off the back of a unanimous decision win last November at the Echo Arena.
Speaking in a press release about the contest, Fowler said:
“I watched his fight with Troy Williamson in the ABA Final as an amateur and when they boxed as pros, he’s a tough lad with a big heart and he comes to fight.
“Obviously styles make fights, Flatley couldn’t cope with Scarff’s awkwardness when they fought but I could because I’ve seen it all before, that was for the English title, I see myself a much high level than that and I’ll show it when we fight.
“The only fight I want is the Fitzgerald rematch. A good win against Flatley sets that up nicely for the British Title, so let’s tell Scott to give the fans what they want.”
Jack Flatley similarly detailed his excitement at the contest.
“I know how good he is, and I know he’s waiting for the big rematch with Scott Fitzgerald, but this is my chance to go in there and upset the apple cart.
“I’m going to prove that I belong at this level. He’s ranked in the top 13 with the WBA so it’s a great opportunity for me and to be fighting in front of millions of people around the world is a massive incentive for me.”
