Saturday 7 October 2017 18:34, UK
Anthony Crolla faces Ricky Burns in a must-win British lightweight battle at the top of a bumper bill in Manchester this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
National pride will be at stake when hometown hero Crolla and popular Scot Burns collide this weekend on a packed night of boxing, with European champion Sam Eggington, British title holder Robbie Barrett, and Conor Benn all in action.
The former world champions have agreed to a high-stakes clash as the winner keeps alive his hopes of another major title fight, while the loser could be forced to consider his future in the sport.
Crolla emerged with credit from a second points defeat to Jorge Linares, a recent winner over Luke Campbell, and will be desperate to compete at the top level again after failing to reclaim the WBA lightweight title in March.
Burns is fuelled by his own burning motivation as the 34-year-old attempts to erase painful memories of a decision loss to Julius Indongo that saw him lose his WBA super-lightweight belt in an April unification clash.
Recognised as two of boxing's good guys, Crolla and Burns will leave their smiles in the changing rooms when they fight for their careers in a few days' time.
Eggington makes his first defence as European welterweight champion after claiming the title with a dramatic knockout of Ceferino Rodriguez in May.
'The Savage' lived up to his nickname as two huge hooks sent the Spaniard crashing through the ropes and Eggington will be eager to continue his rise up the rankings with another victory over Mimoune.
But there are reasons to respect Mimoune, who also defeated Rodriguez on points in 2015, and the French southpaw could force Eggington to employ ring skills rather than brute force.
With continued talk of a future world title fight, Eggington must impress the watching fans to remain in contention for a dream shot at one of the division's big stars.
Barrett ripped the British lightweight title from Scott Cardle with a hard-fought points win in April and makes his maiden defence against unbeaten challenger Ritson.
The new champion showed his battling spirit by twice climbing off the canvas to earn a majority decision victory over Cardle.
Ritson has done little wrong during his professional career, winning all 12 of his fights with six coming inside the distance, but he is making a step up in class against the more seasoned Barrett.
Cardle appears on the same bill and there could be calls for a rematch, if Barrett successfully retains the Lonsdale belt.
Benn is back in action again, targeting his third knockout in as many months, as he hopes to maintain his reputation as one of Britain's most exciting young fighters.
The 21-year-old sharpened his skills in a spell away from the ring and has reignited his career in recent months, firstly demolishing Mike Cole in July, then pounding Kane Baker to a halt in September.
Benn admits he is still a work in progress and will maintain his busy schedule by fighting another young prospect in Clarke.
There has been more method in Benn's marauding attacks since he made his return, although 'The Destroyer' still displays the raw aggression that has brought him six knockouts in eight victories.
Watch Anthony Crolla against Ricky Burns, Sam Eggington faces Mohamed Mimoune, Robbie Barrett battles Lewis Ritson and Conor Benn against Nathan Clarke from 7pm on Sky Sports Action.
