BLACKBIRD Leys boxer Ciaran Flanagan is stacking the rest of his year with fights as he looks to secure a title in 2024.

The 25-year-old super bantamweight is gearing up for his fourth professional bout next month when he takes on the experienced Jake Pollard at MECA in Swindon.

Flanagan’s last fight – also at MECA – was only in June, when he beat Stephen Jackson on points.

READ ALSO: Oxford United in talks with Liverpool over young forward

“It was a really good fight. I got the decision but he was a tough lad,” Flanagan told this newspaper.

“They all come in different styles with different experience, and that’s what it’s all about.

“It’s a very tight turnaround, I’ve got fights on September 30 and November 30.

“I’ve had a bit of a slow start and my pro debut was delayed as well.

“By the time I had it, my management wanted me to get in as many fights as possible, with the aim of pushing for a title next year when I’ll be six or seven fights in.

“I want to be pushing for English and British titles next year and then build from that.

“I want to build as much a following as possible.”

Oxford Mail: Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter (Image: Newsquest)

Previewing his bout with Pollard, Blackbird Leys-born Flanagan said: “He’s as tough as they come and he’s fought every super bantamweight in the country.

“There’s always the Oxford versus Swindon thing, but I do have a lot of friends there and I trained there in the past.

“It’s about doing Oxford proud. There isn’t a lot of us from Oxford and it’s about representing the city and doing it proud.

“I’m doing two sessions a day and I’ve spent most of the year in the gym.

“I’ve recently moved over to Bicester Boxing Club and they’ve got a high level of coaching with seven or eight coaches.

“It’s always busy and there’s lots of sparring. I’ve learnt so much since joining them.”

After his professional debut ended in defeat last July, Flanagan then found himself beating Nabil Ahmed at the Kassam Stadium three months later.

That bout saw fellow Oxford duo Jordan Flynn and Bradley Townsend also claim wins on the card.

“As a kid, I had 22 amateur fights but then I hit 16 and fell out of love with boxing,” said Flanagan.

“My friend got me back into it at the Kassam. Since I fought there, I’ve been hoping for another show in Oxford.

“It was a good turnout there and it was a packed environment, and I was grateful for that support.

“Me and Jordan get on well and he lives just round the corner from me.

“It’s a brotherly bond and it’s about supporting each other so he’ll come to my fight and I’ll go to his next one.”

About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.