Anthony Crolla (31-5-3, 13KOs) battles Jorge Linares (41-3, 27KOs) again on Saturday night (25th March) for the WBA, WBC Diamond lightweight titles and Ring magazine belt at the Manchester Arena.

Crolla, lost his title to Linares last year in a competitive match up against the elite level Linares, 31. The fight itself did not disappoint, in a cauldron of noise the two likeable fighters with big hearts fought it out for all the glory. Crolla acquitted himself very well and started the strong but Linares proved to have that extra touch of class, hurting Crolla badly in the 6th round and coming on strong down the stretch.

CROLLA Vs LINARES 1

[sam id=”1″ codes=”true”]

To the credit of both boxers, the eagerly anticipated rematch was made quickly and with little fuss, the two teams clearly having respect for each other and honouring their agreements at both ends.

Anthony Crolla is a local hero in Manchester and his fans are desperate to see their man regain his world championship mantle. We are under no illusions this is a immense challenge. The Venezuelan is a class operator, flashy combinations and a fluid, relaxed style, with power and speed to burn.

But Crolla has been in deep before, in previous fights against the likes of Perez and Barossa and over came the odds to defeat the challenge in front of him. In the past when Crolla has been written off he has proved he can upset the odds and find something inside to overcome and prevail and there is not reason he cannot do it again but he will need a career best performance and he believes he has what it takes to do it..

“I’ve always been better going into fights as the underdog,” said Crolla at today’s final press conference. “It’s always good to win my friends more money!

“I’m a realist. I know I have to be the best Anthony Crolla to beat Jorge Linares.

jorge linares

Jorge Linares

“I’ve worked hard in camp, but I’ve also worked smart. I really believe if I show the improvement I have made in the gym in the ring, I’ll get my belts back and win a great fight.

“I’ve got great self-belief. I see where I made mistakes last time and there’s more room for improvement.

“If I bring that into the fight, it can be a different result.

“I’m looking across at those belts, I want them in my house, I want to take them home to my little boy. I know that if I win that Ring belt, I’ll be joining an elite club.

“I always thought nothing would top winning the world title here, but winning back my belt would be the highlight of my career.”

Linares who has won four world titles at three different weights, was equally as confident and told the press today he has come to Manchester and will enter the fight, in his mind as the challenger and is confident he will get the rematch victory.

“I’m back and I’m happy to be here,” said Linares. “I know I will have all the fans against me. That’s why I have trained hard.

“I’m not looking at this as me coming with the belts, I’m not coming in feeling like the champion, I’m feeling like the challenger because I know what I have to do that to go home with the belts.”

crolla

Anthony Crolla

Whatever the outcome we must salute both of these fighters, they are a credit to the sport. Their conduct has been impeccable in the lead up to this fight and their role as ambassadors in boxing is well justified and earned. Two great fighters with different styles in the ring, are similar outside of the ring, both humble, both genuine and both men that deserve the respect from the boxing public. This should be a cracker!

There is a great undercard line up, including the Blackpool middleweight grudge match between friends Brian Rose and Jack Arnfield, which promises to be an intriguing scrap with plenty on the line, not to mention Arnfields WBA International strap.

Here is the running order for the show and below the full uncut press conference video and our Rose Vs Arnfield preview video.

Lawrence Okolie v TBA

Sean McGoldrick v Brett Fidoe

Nathan Wheatley vs Chris Jenkinson

Ben Sheedy vs Rob Brown

Tomi Tatham vs Jamie Ambler

Hosea Burton vs Tamas Kozma

Marcus Morrison vs Jason Welborn (WBC International silver middleweight title)

Katie Taylor vs Milena Koleva

Martin Ward vs Maxi Hughes (British and WBA super featherweight titles)

Brian Rose vs Jack Arnfield (WBA International middleweight title)

Jorge Linares v Anthony Crolla (WBA lightweight championship)

CROLLA Vs LINARES PRESS CONFERENCE AND UNDERCARD

BRIAN ROSE Vs JACK ARNFIELD – FRIENDS REUNITED

  [sam id=”1″ codes=”true”]

@britishboxers

RICKY HATTON BBTV CRIBS

TOMMY DIX – MY P4P TOP 10 OF ALL TIME

KERRY KAYES BIO

VENTURE GYM TOUR WITH TOMMY DIX

EXCLUSIVE: JOE CALZAGHE – BBTV SPECIAL

THE BEST P4P BOXER EVER

SAVAGERY NEVER SEEN IN A RING BEFORE

PETER FURY INTERVIEW

No more articles
error

Thanks for visiting us? Please spread the word :)