Thursday 27 October 2016 18:10, UK
Terry Flanagan insists he is the best lightweight around and is determined to prove it against Orlando Cruz in Cardiff on November 26.
Flanagan (31-0-KO12) will put his title on the line for the fourth time against the Puerto Rican challenger on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders' WBO middleweight title defence at the Motorpoint Arena.
Fellow southpaw Cruz (25-4-1-KO13) is stepping up from super featherweight and will have his second crack at becoming the first openly-gay world champion.
The 35-year-old, who four years ago became the first active fighter to come out, was stopped by Orlando Salido in seven rounds when they fought for the WBO featherweight title in 2013.
Undefeated Flanagan (31-0-KO12) has vowed to impress on his return to the Welsh capital after defeating South African Mzonke Fana last time out in a unanimous decision at the Ice Arena in the summer.
"Last time I fought in Cardiff I wasn't happy with how I boxed so it will be good to show the Welsh fans that I'm a lot better than I showed against Fana," said Flanagan.
"I know I'm the best lightweight in the division and I'm looking to get these big fights to prove it.
"I do what I need to get the win but if I feel the stoppage is there I'll go for it. Cruz is a strong fighter and very dangerous and more than capable of causing an upset.
Flanagan hopes victory over the high-profile Cruz can help secure a unification fight with WBA and WBC champion Jorge Linares, who secured a thrilling points victory over Anthony Crolla in Manchester last month.
"I'm out to prove a point and show everyone that I'm world class. Linares in seen as number one in the division after beating Crolla and it would be good to get that fight and do something that Crolla couldn't do to prove I'm the best around."
