ESTEEMED HANDS
Jack Flatley looking to continue progress under Martin Murray, writes Matt Bozeat
★★★★★
MAIN EVENT
MARTIN MURRAY, one of the better British fighters of recent years not to win a ‘world’ title, will be in the corner with Jack Flatley when he steps back up to 10 rounds on Steve Wood’s show in Bolton on Saturday night.
The 29-year-old is matched with Ryan Amos, the former Midlands Area champion from Nottingham. Flatley, 21-4-1 (5), joined Murray after defeat to Nathan Heaney in their rematch 12 months ago and is back campaigning at 154lbs.
He had a confidence-boosting stoppage win over Edvinas Puplauskas in their first fight together, in November, and this weekend he faces Amos in a decent match.
Flatley needs a test and, at 33 years old, Amos, 12-1-1 (2), rolls the dice.
Amos (Nottingham) showed his durability when he became the first to last the distance with Rotherham hope Junaid Boston (5-0) last July. Amos took a round off him and should be competitive this weekend.
There were those who fancied Flatley had the tools to beat Heaney, but Heaney was too big at 160lbs. The first fight, in September 2022 went Heaney’s way on a technical decision after heads clashed and Flatley was outboxed for much of the rematch.flatley left trainer Alex Matvienko after that.
Up to now, Flatley is known as a good pro who has come up short on the biggest nights of his career.
There was a draw with Troy Williamson – a rematch of the 2015 Elite final that Williamson won – and losses to Harry Scarff, Kerman Lejarraga and Heaney (twice). Williamson, Scarff and Heaney went on to win the British title and Lejrarraga was considered a fearsome European champion at the time. Flatley showed heart in the nine-round loss in December 2021.
Expect the tough and rugged Amos to make him work, but Flatley can win on points.