And that's that from us on a night Terry Flanagan defended his WBO world lightweight title and Great Britain's golden girl Nicola Adams made a successful start to her professional career.

We'll catch you next time...

So what next for a man who's gone 33 fights unbeaten and has just defended his WBO world lightweight title for a fifth time?

Promoter Frank Warren suggests a fight with Jorge Linares is an option, while two-weight world champion Vasyl Lomachenko is another.

"We want to make the fights," Warren told BT Sport. "There are a couple of big fights out there to be made. 

"Linares? We saw what he did to Anthony Crolla. Lomachenko? They are tough fights.

"I think they can be done. Linares is the one I would like to try and make. They are both super fighters. He (Flanagan) can raise his game."

Here's what Terry Flanagan had to say after defending his title:

"It was a tough fight, I knew I was in for a tough one, he's very durable," Flanagan told BT Sport.

"I was a bit cagey in parts and didn't want to do anything silly, I thought 'just win the fight'.

"I'm boxing within myself a bit, I should have let go and forced a stoppage. I'm happy with the win."

Nate Williams
BBC Sport

It was scrappy at times but it was boxing at close quarters expertly played by Flanagan. 

You only have to look at Petrov's face to see who got the better of the exchanges. 

In fairness to Petrov, at 34, he gave as good as he got but in such small efforts that Flanagan was never in doubt of getting his hand raised. 

The judges tally up the cards. What's the verdict?

Yes, the WBO world lightweight title is staying in Manchester...

...it's Terry Flanagan's, he successfully defends his crown for a fifth time. And that extends his unbeaten record to 33 fights.

Image source, Reuters

Terry Flanagan salutes the Manchester crowd, he thinks he's got this one..

Petr Petrov knows he needs to force this round.

If anything, that's given Terry Flanagan more opportunities to box they way he's wanted to all night.

He shifts his weight onto his left foot and comes down on Petrov with a left-handed hook.

The Spanish-based fighter has been relentless tonight, he's still coming, but it's Flanagan who's been the classier, technically superior fighter.

Into the final round now. Petr Petrov knows he needs a knockout if he's going to win this one.

Terry Flanagan looks to have done enough to defend his title. He catches Petrov with a cracking one-two, before dipping out.

Image source, Getty Images

Well there's blood pouring down the face of Petr Petov now. But he keeps coming forward.

Terry Flanagan looks to find his range, he pushes Petrov away with both gloves, but he cuts a frustrated figure. 

Come on then, Terry.

Time to show your champion's card.

It's not been a classic from the Manchester fighter, but he should come through this one with another title defence.

Petr Petrov is awkward. But he's cut! Was that Flanagan first or his head?

Petr Petrov steps forward, but straight onto a well-placed shot from Terry Flanagan.

The home fighter then throws a lightning quick right-left combo and follows up with a body shot deep into the gut of his opponent.

Petrov goes with his left in response - a few bigger punches being thrown now as both fighters sense the bell.

Image source, Getty Images

Terry Flanagan won't have underestimated his opponent, but he might not have expected it to be quite as tight at this stage.

He throws a right, which Petr Petrov ducks, and finally the Manchester crowd is coming to life.

Into the ninth then. 

Terry Flanagan looks the more energetic, the 27-year-old remaining pretty fleet-footed throughout.

Petr Petrov has managed to slip a couple through, though. He's tricky. 

Flanagan sends in a stinging left towards the chest of his opponent and then looks to counter with his right.

A wild left sees the challenger duck out of the way but Flanagan goes on the offensive in the final few seconds.

Image source, Reuters

Terry Flanagan is controlling the tempo, he's got the measure of Petr Petrov now and is landing body shots.

But he's getting a warning for not stopping when the referee told him to. Another one and he'll have a point chalked off...

"Get your breather.." Flanagan is told by his corner. "Stay in your rhythm."

Round eight gets under way with the home fighter looking the more composed, the experienced Petrov may be starting to tire slightly.

Flanagan is bouncing around, trying to draw a mistake out of his opponent.

Image source, Getty Images

Terry Flanagan has to ride a succession of Petr Petrov body shots and he looks a bit frustrated as the referee pulls them apart.

I think Petrov took a warning for his coming in with his head there. Can Flanagan spring into life in these closing moments?

He's using the jab and keeping a comfortable length, but it's a tad scrappy.

Image source, Getty Images

Petr Petrov might not be up on the judges' cards, but he's done a good job of silencing the Manchester crowd.

I reckon they're a little nervous for the home fighter, perhaps they sense he's yet to have it all his own way in this one.

Terry Flanagan looks to slip one through from below with another big left, but Petr Petrov is equal to that.

He tries again, and that one is more successful. Petrov goes low, which gives Flanagan the chance to pick his spot and he doesn't need a second invitation.

He's yet to leave a real marker on the challenger, but that should be enough for the round.

Image source, Getty Images

Terry Flanagan winds up a left early in the sixth and Petr Petrov winces slightly as he takes the full force of that one.

There's a tumble, and both fighters are down. Nothing really landed there, just a maze of feet.

Image source, PA

There's a flurry of red flying in the direction of Terry Flanagan but I don't think any of Petr Petrov's jabs made it through the Manchester man's defence.

The Spanish-based fighter goes low for the body instead and catches Flanagan in the ribs with a thud.

He's not moved.

Image source, PA