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Fana unmoved by world title venue

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PUNCHY Terry Flanagan says he’ll keep his title when he meets Mzonke Fana. Picture: Dave Thompson / Getty Images
PUNCHY Terry Flanagan says he’ll keep his title when he meets Mzonke Fana. Picture: Dave Thompson / Getty Images

Mzonke “Rose of Khayelitsha” Fana says he is unperturbed by the change to the date and venue for his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) lightweight challenge against Englishman Terry Flanagan.

The pair will now face off at the Ice Arena in Cardiff, Wales, on July 16. They were originally pencilled in to trade punches at Manchester Arena on Saturday.

Their bout was supposed to feature on the undercard of the world heavyweight title contest between champion Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko.

That match has been postponed after Fury twisted his left ankle while running.

“The fact that the date has been moved forward has given me enough time to prepare,” said Fana.

“I’m also happy with the new venue, even though I don’t know the place, as opposed to Manchester, where I’ve been before.”

The 42-year-old will be attempting to snatch the WBO crown from his unbeaten English opponent.

“Flanagan is a southpaw who relies on a big left to floor his opponents, but I will be too good for him. I can’t afford to come back home without the title,” he said.

Fana has had 38 wins and nine defeats from 47 outings. Flanagan (27) said he was determined to give Fana a good match.

“Fana is highly experienced and has a very good jab. He will come over here looking to take my title, but it’s not going to happen,” Flanagan told Boxing News.

The Englishman is undefeated in 30 fights, having won 12 by knockout.

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