Mark Flanagan – “I’m prepared to be fighting a new and improved Daniel Ammann”

 
MARK Flanagan is in the middle of a career rebirth.

 
Rewind back to February of last year, Flanagan was a promising light heavyweight with a world rating by the WBO, while holding the WBO Oriental title – which he won in impressive fashion – with an eleventh round stoppage over Kariz Kariuki.

 
Flanagan, 23, later surrendered the title to Daniel MacKinnon in a split decision loss. In the weeks following the loss, Flanagan made the inevitable decision to move up to cruiserweight.

 
“After my loss to MacKinnon I had to go back to the drawing board and work on the basics again.” said Flanagan in an exclusive interview with Aus-Boxing.

 
“But most of all I had to go up in weight, I wasn’t very healthy when I fought MacKinnon. Dropping weight really took it out of me and I wasn’t at my best but he fought a great fight and deserved the win, now I want to concentrate on being the best cruiserweight in the country.”

 
The move has reaped it’s rewards as Flanagan hasn’t lost a fight since – winning all four of his fights – with all four ending by knockout too. The power Flanagan has brought up with him has been evident, with a devastating first round knockout over Andy Green in February highlighting just how strong Flanagan has become.

 
“I always felt it and for about a good year, I was naturally supposed to be a cruiserweight,” Flanagan explained.

 
“When I was a light heavyweight I would walk around at 87 kilos and cut to 79 kilos which I was finding really hard as I was still growing, so stepping up to cruiserweight for me was in my best interest and I feel comfortable and healthy at this weight.’

 
Flanagan will challenge perennial top contender Daniel Ammann, 31, who has a remarkable record in Australian title fights, going 10-1 when national bragging rights are on the line. Despite his impressive record, which stands at 29-6-1 (6 KOs), Ammann is coming off a loss.

 
Last time out, Ammann was unanimously outpointed by England’s Tony Conquest in February, losing a fight for the vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight title. In spite of this, Flanagan still expects Ammann to be in form come fight night.

 
“I think he will be a better fighter after his loss most fighters, like myself, learn off our losses so I’m prepared to be fighting a new and improved Daniel Ammann,” he continued. “Ammann will be at his best, he brings a lot of experience to the table he’s had some big fights – but I’m ready.”

 
“I believe I belong right up there with them, there are some great cruiserweights but I am ready for anyone, this is my year.”

 
“First, I want to win the Australian title then maybe see if I can get my own shot at the Commonwealth title,” said Flanagan. “I want to have a big year – I am ready – this is my time, I truly believe.”