By Liam McInerney

There wasn’t much fighting but Terry Flanagan made history by becoming the first ever English lightweight world champion at the Manchester Velodrome tonight.

His Californian opponent Jose Zepeda started the bout well and won the first round. But then his big night ended devastatingly.

Flanagan emerged in the second round and became the aggressor. It appeared that the contest would be an exciting one until Zepda’s shoulder popped out after a clash of arms.

The previously unbeaten knock out artist was extremely unlucky. Not being able to come out for round three, an exhilarated Flanagan was awarded the victory to become the WBO world champion.

It’s not how the Manchester boxer would have wanted to win but take nothing away from him. After a tough upbringing he has worked hard to force himself into the history books.

A rematch has to be on the cards once Zepeda recovers. He now has a 1 on his previously perfect record through no fault of his own.

Stephen Ormond will be thinking it could have been him being crowned as world champion tonight. He fought Flanagan in February in a world title eliminator. Some had the Dubliner two points down when he was disqualified for repeated head butts in round 10. But it was a cracking scrap while it lasted.

Ormond will get his shot at gold in future but now is the time for Flanagan to celebrate his success.