Terry Flanagan was in control throughout the fightReutersFlanagan was never in danger of losing his titleReuters
At the age of 35, the bout against Flanagan may have been Cruz’s last shot at becoming a world champion but in truth he was never at the races.
Flanagan, who defended his title for the fourth time, was in control from start to finish as Cruz lacked any real conviction.
Cruz failed to trouble Flanagan as the Mancunian had his opponent against the ropes on numerous occasions before pummelling him with his best shots.
Referee Steve Gray stepped in at the beginning of the eighth roundGetty ImagesFlanagan defended his title for the fourth timeReutersCruz threw a rare punch in the direction of FlanaganPA:Press Association
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Flanagan made it 32 victories without defeatPA:Press Association
By the fourth round, Cruz looked resigned to defeat as he stopped throwing punches.
And by the start of the sixth round, Flanagan’s corner pointed out to referee Steve Gray that Cruz was not launching any attacks of his own.
Two rounds later, Gray stepped in and ended the fight after Cruz was put on the floor for the second time.
The 27-year-old is now 32 fights without defeat and wants to continue his record against the winner of a proposed rematch between Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares.
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