It was a night to remember for Bolton as two of the town’s favourite sons won their first major titles just an hour apart.
Jack Cullen and Jack Flatley both became champions of England as the big fight night at the Whites Hotel on Saturday delivered on all its promise.
Cullen knocked down Jack Sellars three times en route to lifting the English middleweight title with an eighth round stoppage before super welterweight Flatley rounded off the night with a thrilling points win over Craig Morris that had the crowd on their feet throughout
The pair trained together as youngsters under Tommy Battel at Metro ABC before Flatley linked up with Alex Matvienko’s Elite Boxing.
A potential rivalry has been talked up but that was all put to one side as they combined in style on Bolton’s big night.
“I’d like to say well done to Jack Cullen,” said Farnworth’s Flatley, who extended his unbeaten professional record to 16 fights.
“There’s been a bit of a rivalry in the past but now we’ve both come through together from being really young and we’re English champions at different weights.
“It’s a brilliant night for Bolton.”
The 24-year-old’s clash with Morris was immediately talked about as being one of the fights of the year.
The Shropshire fighter, who had only lost two of 14 fights heading into battle, gave Flatley problems through 10 hard rounds that saw the pair trade leather almost non-stop.
“I’m buzzing, it’s a dream come true.,” said ‘Quiet Storm’, who prevailed 98-93, 97-94 and 97-93 on the three judges’ cards.
“I’m champion of England and in an absolute war.
“I can’t give enough respect to Craig Morris for that fight.
“I think a lot of people are already talking about that as a fight of the year contender on a small hall show.
“I know I’ve got a big heart, I’ve shown that in the past, and I definitely showed it in that fight.”
Cullen meanwhile dominated as he sent Sellars to the canvas in rounds two, five and six.
But to his credit the brave Halifax man kept coming before the towel was thrown in by his corner in the eighth round.
“I caught him with some big shots,” said Cullen, dubbed ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’.
“He went down a few times but he got back up.
“It wasn’t my best performance and I maybe tried too hard to get him out of there.
“I’ve got a big fanbase and I was trying to please them more than my coach but if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be getting these types of fights.
“It was a big night for me. It was win or bust. If I didn’t win this then I wouldn’t have been going anywhere else would I?
“This proved I’m ready for those big fights.”
Victory capped a memorable few days for Cullen and his family.
“I found out I’m having a little boy last week,” said the 25-year-old, who has lost just one of 17 fights.
“Then I’ve gone and won the English title. It’s been a good week, not bad at all!”
The pair topped a nine-fight card put on by their manager Steve Wood and his VIP Promotions stable.
The fights will be available to watch back on VIP Boxing’s YouTube page.
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