BLACKBIRD Leys boxer Ciaran Flanagan has his eyes set on a title fight next year following his latest victory in Swindon.

The 25-year-old super bantamweight won his fourth professional bout 40-36 on points, when he defeated the experienced Jake Pollard at the MECA venue.

Flanagan told this newspaper: “It went really well, there was a nice turnout and it was a strong performance – one of my best performances to date.

“It was a noisy, strong crowd and that gives you the extra drive.

“He was a tough opponent and was on the front foot, which I wasn’t expecting. Like any boxer, you adapt and I boxed on the back foot.

“This is what these learning fights are for, to go up against different styles and opponents.”

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Flanagan reiterated that he is aiming for a title fight by the end of 2024, and in preparation for that, he will make the jump to six and eight-round bouts in the first part of next year.

“I definitely want to be pushing for a title next year,” he said.

“By the end of next year, I want to be in title fights or eliminators.

“It excites me to push on for bigger fights and titles, and that’s when you’ll see the best out of me.

“I’ll be stepping up to six and eight-round fights next year, before pushing on for titles.”

After his professional debut ended in defeat last July, Flanagan beat Nabil Ahmed at the Kassam Stadium three months later, and Stephen Jackson at MECA in June of this year.