Terry Flanagan vs. Diego Magdaleno: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

Terry Flanagan makes the first defence of his WBO lightweight title against Diego Magdaleno on Saturday in Manchester, England.

Local boy Flanagan (28-0, 11 KOs) can expect to have plenty of support inside the Manchester Arena as he not only protects the belt but also his perfect professional record.

American Magdaleno (28-1, 12 KOs) has only lost once before in his career. He failed in a previous bid to become WBO champion, though that was at super featherweight.

The bout is on the same card as another showdown between England and the United States. Liverpudlian Liam Smith bids to claim the vacant WBO light middleweight belt when he faces John Thompson.

When: Saturday, October 10, at 10 p.m. BST / 5 p.m. ET

Where: Manchester Arena, Manchester, England

TV: BoxNation (UK)

Live Stream: BoxNation (UK, regional restrictions apply)

Britain's Top Dog

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Flanagan feels he has a point to prove against Magdaleno.

While winning a world title fulfilled an ambition, the manner of his victory over Jose Zepeda was a little disappointing.

After two evenly contested rounds, Zepeda was forced to withdraw with a dislocated shoulder. Flanagan was the new WBO champion, but it all seemed to be over before it had barely begun.

Now, Turbo gets the chance to prove he deserves to not only be a world champion but also that he is the best lightweight around in a crowded British scene.

He is determined to make a statement to his domestic rivals in his own back yard, per Sheldan Keay of the Manchester Evening News: 

"

I’m the one at the top of the tree right now as I’m the one who has the world title.

People talk about the likes of Anthony Crolla and Kevin Mitchell as they have the backing of Sky Sports and are more out there to the public, but I’m number one.

I always put 110 per cent in when I train and that has been the same for this fight.

"

Flanagan is right—he has gone under the radar in comparison to some other Brits.

Luke Campbell has had more publicity, and he is has only had 12 outings as a pro. Flanagan, meanwhile, has won British and European titles at 135 pounds and is yet to taste defeat in the paid ranks.

The 26-year-old is a southpaw capable of fighting off both front and back foot. So, while he may be a Manchester City fan, too, there shouldn't be too many comparisons drawn to another boxing star from the city, Ricky Hatton.

Flanagan has yet to show he is a heavy hitter, stopping just 11 of his 28 opponents to date.

However, he is confident of getting the job done inside the distance, telling Keay, "I’m going to put in a career-best performance and get the stoppage so I can add another knockout to my record."

No Looking Back

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If you ask Magdaleno, he’s adamant he should already have won a world title in his career.

Mr. Superb came out on the wrong end of a split-decision verdict against Martinez in 2013.

It is an outcome that still rankles with him now, over two years later. He told Boxing News, "I did what I had to do, clearly out boxed him but that’s all in the past now."

Since that defeat, though, the 28-year-old has stepped up in weight and reeled off five successive victories, three of them coming inside the distance.

He’s not a fighter who has built a reputation as a heavy hitter, but Magdaleno is a man on a mission, as he told Anson Wainwright of Ring Magazine:

"

Nothing is stopping me. I’m with Joel Diaz and [manager] Frank Espinoza, so I have a great team behind me. 

I’ve been doing some damage at 135 pounds. A lot of people are asking if I have the power at lightweight but I think I’m stronger.

I’m not looking back and this is the division where I’ll make my name, starting with this fight.

"

Magdaleno—who is promoted by Top Rank—will be a tough first test for the new champion.

The visiting fighter from Las Vegas is not travelling to England to simply pick up a tidy sum for a losing performance. He is a former U.S. national amateur champion with a point to prove.

Prediction

These two fighters are southpaws with similar records. They are also both determined to make a statement on Saturday.

The fact that neither has a high knockout ratio suggests the audience could be in for 12 absorbing rounds.

Flanagan has answered every question put to him so far in his career, but this is his toughest test yet. He has the talent and the temperament to come out on top, but it could be mighty close on the cards.