Friday 6 May 2016 19:11, UK
Anthony Crolla edged Ismael Barroso on the scales ahead of Saturday's WBA world lightweight title clash at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports.
The popular Mancunian (30-4-3-KO12) weighed in at 9st 8lb 5oz - two ounces heavier than his Venezuelan challenger (19-0-2-KO18) - and then let out what is becoming a trademark roar.
Crolla told Sky Sports afterwards: "I made the weight well and everyone comes out to support you. It's hard not to be pleased and I'm just looking forward to the fight now.
"It's something that I'm getting used to. I'm enjoying life as the champion and enjoying it too much to give it up on Saturday. I've got to make sure I go in there with a career-best performance and keep hold of my title.
"I think when you're world champion, you take on the best challengers. That's what a champion does and I'm a proud champion. There was no way I was going to swerve Barroso.
"Tomorrow night I'm taking on one of the most dangerous lightweights in the world and beating him will stake my claim to being the best lightweight in the world or right up there anyway.
"It could be cagey early on, staying nice and tight but I can't let a big puncher like Barroso walk me around the ring teeing off those big shots so I've got to make sure I'm switched on. I've got to get his respect so there'll be times when I'm exchanging with him.
"I believe that my power is coming on all the time and I believe that it's come on since November, when I won the title but first of all, I believe your skills will see you home. If the stoppage comes, then it comes. I've prepared for 12 hard rounds.
"When the bell goes it's just me and him in there but this crowd lifts me up and gives me an extra gear. When you've got to bite down on the gumshield they make it that little bit easier when they're roaring you on singing your name."
Watch Anthony Crolla v Ismael Barroso live on Sky Sports 2 this Saturday from 7.30pm. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
