Farnworth boxer Jack Flatley is relishing a second shot at Nathan Heaney after their rematch was confirmed for March.

The pair first met last September at Manchester’s AO Arena when the bout was halted in the fifth round following a head clash that left Heaney with a severe cut above his right eye.

The fight then went to the scorecards and Heaney was judged to have been ahead by all three officials.

Now they will battle for the vacant WBA Continental middleweight title at Telford on March 25.

And former English super welterweight champion Flatley, nicknamed ‘The Quiet Storm’, is determined to make his opportunity count.

The 28-year-old told British Boxing News: “I’m made up and this fight is what I wanted after how it ended last time.

“I felt like I was getting into the fight, and it ended like it did, so I am buzzing it has been made again.

“Being honest, it was close, and I thought it was 50-50 when it got stopped. I’m not saying I was in front, but they had him winning every round.

“I didn’t think this fight was going to happen again and I don’t think, deep down, Nathan really wants it. He pretty much said on social media that he wasn’t going to fight me, so I am quite surprised, but made up it is happening.

“I don’t know why he has changed his mind and I feel like he might have been pushed into it, or he might have felt pressured by what’s gone on social media and stuff. I don’t know the reason, but I don’t really believe he fully wants to have the fight.

“I think there could probably be an easier option than me, although I’m not saying I’m a world-beater. I want to beat Nathan and then possibly be looking for a shot at the British title after that.”

Stoke fighter Heaney, aged 33 and unbeaten in 16 professional bouts, is also looking forward to the rematch.

He said: “I am really looking forward to it and I suppose it will be dubbed ‘unfinished business’.

“There are questions that need answers, with them thinking they were going to beat me in the last fight and me believing the complete opposite.

“I am training hard and looking forward to being back in Telford with a great crowd.”