By Francisco Salazar

Petr Petrov is all about quality, which is why he is confident going into Saturday’s world title bout against WBO lightweight titleholder Terry Flanagan.

The 12 round bout will take place at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. The fight will be streamed live through Twitter.

Petrov’s level of opposition in recent years has been stellar, whether he has won or lost. He has also shown a penchant for power, having won four of his last five bouts by knockout.

The success of Petrov (38-4-2, with 19 knockouts) as of late has not gone unnoticed. He is ranked number two by the WBO and is the mandatory challenger to face WBA lightweight titleholder Jorge Linares.

Petrov credits many factors that have taken him to where he is at today. Born in Russia, he migrated to Spain, where he turned pro and fought a majority of his pro fights.

Petrov traveled to the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Fe Springs, where he is trained by Danny Zamora, and is currently co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

“My boxing skills have improved in large part to Danny and the sparring here in Southern California,” Petrov told BoxingScene.com earlier this week. “I also think I’ve gotten better physically because of my strength and conditioning coach (Jerry Arias).”

After losses to Marcos Maidana (2011) and Dejan Zlaticanin (2013), Petrov participated and won the ESPN Boxcino Lightweight Tournament in 2014.

Petrov’s last two victories, both by knockout, have come over lightweight contenders Marvin Quintero and Michael Perez.

It is the level of opposition Petrov has faced where he believes he will give him the edge Saturday night.

“All the fights that I have had here in the Unites States were against quality opposition. They have also given me more experience on the contender level. That is why I’m very confident going into my fight Saturday night.”

Petrov is a legit top-10 contender, but he is 34 years of age and one wonders if he will get another opportunity at a world title should he come up short. But Petrov believes he will come out victorious with a world title around his waist when he leaves the ring in Manchester.

“I have been more than motivated for the task in front of me. It’s because of the great team I have behind me.”

“I truly believe this is the right time for me (to fight for a world title). I know I am physically and mentally ready for become a world champion.”

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV.com, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing