Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a clash between unbeaten fighters for the vacant WBO junior welterweight crown, Texan Maurice Hooker (24-0-3, 16 KOs) scored a twelve round split decision over former WBO lightweight champion and hometown favorite Terry Flanagan (33-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, UK.

Close fight. Flanagan suffered a deep cut on the forehead after a violent head clash. Scores were 115-113, 117-111 Hooker, 117-111 Flanagan. The title was formerly held by Terence Crawford, who moved up in weight.