VIP Boxing Press Release - This Means War!

THIS MEANS WAR!

Fight fans in the North West can look forward to an exciting start to the new boxing season after
the announcement by VIP Promotions that one of Manchester’s brightest young prospects, Terry
Flannigan, will defend his English super-featherweight title against Troy ‘Terrifying’ James at the
city’s Bowler’s Arena on September 22.

Flannigan, 23, picked up the English strap back in May with an impressive performance against
Newcastle’s Dougie Curran. Now, on the ‘This Means War’ show, the fighter from Lancashire will
put his belt, along with his unblemished 14 fight ledger, on the line against Coventry’s James in what
will undoubtedly be his toughest test to date.

Troy, with just a single defeat in 14 bouts, will enter the fight full of confidence. Last time out
in March, the 28 year old won his first title, the Midlands Area super-featherweight belt, with
a knockout victory over the tough Barrington Brown. Against Flannigan, the Midlander will be
absolutely determined not to return home empty handed.

With both fighters looking to chase down a British title shot against champion Gary Buckland in
the future, this is a contest neither man can afford to lose. Flannigan has been asking for a tough
test and in Troy James he has got just that; promoter Steve Wood is confident, however, that the
Mancunian fighter will come through.

“He’s turned from a duckling into a white swan’” stated Wood. “When Terry turned over he didn’t
have a great amateur career, but with every pro fight he’s just got better and better. He listens to
his trainer, goes and spars with anybody, and he’s learning his trade really well.

“This will be an exciting fight. Troy James is no mug, he’s only lost once and that was in Prizefighter
which anyone could lose in, so Terry will have to be at his best. At this stage in his career, this is a
hard fight for him, but he needs that now. It’s a real test but it’s one I expect him to overcome and
then move on towards a British title.”

The quality undercard for ‘This Means War’ will feature fighters from right across the North West
including Southport cruiserweight Mike Stafford; Ashton under Lyne’s Jon Kays; Manchester
prospects Jimmy Kelly, Matthew Ryan and Ryan ‘Dangerous’ Doyle; as well as Manchester-based
American Adrian Gonzales. Also appearing will be Wales’ undefeated Mark Evans, along with
debutants Callum Cook and Jack Catterall. More news on the undercard will follow shortly.

With a number of exciting shows planned for the forthcoming boxing season, including five before
the end of October (check out the website for more details), VIP Promotions are looking to raise the
bar when it comes to providing quality contests for boxing fans. ‘This Means War’ is the start of an
exciting few months for the promotional outfit, and Steve Wood cannot wait to get the ball rolling.

“I’m really looking forward to this show. Bowlers Arena is a great venue and always generates a
good crowd and a great atmosphere. People remember it from the old days, with people like Ricky
Hatton, Michael Gomez, and Anthony Farnell all fighting there. In Manchester it’s known as a top
boxing venue.

“We’ve got a number of promotions over the coming weeks and with this show we’re starting off
with a real bang. There are some great fights on this one, including the top of the bill, and that’s
what we’ll be doing with all our shows over the coming months to make sure the public come and
support them.”

‘This Means War’ will be at the Bowler’s Arena on September 22. Tickets, priced at £30 (General)
and £50 (Ringside), are available from all boxers or at www.vipbe.co.uk

Keep updated on VIP Promotions’ news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter
@vipboxing. Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv