By Alec Whitaker

BOLTON boxer Jack Flatley continued his promising rise up the rankings after he impressively defeated former Olympian, Serge Ambomo on points at the Whites Hotel on Saturday.

The Farnworth fighter is now looking forward to the prospect of competing for the English super welterweight title on May 11.

Flatley topped the bill after fellow Bolton boxer Jack Cullen’s opponent, Ricardo Fernandes, was forced to pull out at short notice.

But 24-year-old Flatley, nicknamed ‘Quiet Storm’, coped with the added pressure, before eventually winning 59-56 on points.

The win extended his unbeaten record to 14 wins and a draw since turning professional.

It was clear from the outset the game plan was to box safely and smartly behind his quick, sharp jabs.

“It was a solid test, Flatley said after the bout.

“It was probably a bit more solid than it should have been, but I’ve come through it and had the better of most of the rounds.

“We kept it safe, but I knew I had the power to hurt him.

“I probably got caught a bit too much, but he’s a good test for anyone as his counter punches can knock anyone out.

“I know I haven’t got the knockout, but I’ve definitely got the power in the future and I’ve proved that in the gym.”

Flatley’s coach, Alex Matvienko, praised his fighter's performance, highlighting his tactics in not getting embroiled in what could have been a dangerous fight.

He said: “The fight went how I thought it was going to.

“We didn’t want to get involved as Ambomo is an ex-Olympian and we know how dangerous he is with his big counter punches.

“Jack could have easily got involved but we didn’t want him to.

“He was relaxed and tricky and Jack had to adapt well to his style, which I’m happy about.

“You learn every time you fight, and he will have learned something tonight, but overall it’s just another progressive step forward.

Flatley and Cullen will now begin their preparations for a potential double Bolton bill of English title fights at the Whites Hotel on May 11 which promoter Steve Wood could confirm later this week.

It is expected Cullen will fight champion Reece Cartwright for the middleweight title in the biggest fight of his career – one which was scheduled to top the bill on Saturday night at the Whites Hotel until Cartwright was forced to pull out with injury two weeks ago.

Likewise, Flatley is confident he will get the opportunity to take his career to the next level by fighting for the English super welterweight title.

“Fingers crossed I’m back here on the May 11 for the English title, which according to Steve [Wood] is 95 per cent done and is due to be announced on Wednesday," Flatley added.

“Me and Jack Cullen will be the main event, as long as they are both approved, which is a special thing for me in my career.

“This is when I really start pushing myself and if I win then the opportunities will open up massively.

“I want to become an English champion and be pushing on towards some bigger titles by the end of the year.

“I’d like to take the British title after that, but obviously I’ve got a very difficult test in front of me, so I’ve got to be concentrating on that from now on.

“I know I can go all the way.”

“I’m far too young and I train too hard not to go all the way, so one day I don’t see why I can’t become world champion.”