Crolla vs Burns: All you need to know about the must-win British lightweight battle in Manchester
Saturday 7 October 2017 18:35, UK
Former world champions Anthony Crolla and Ricky Burns are fighting for their careers and national pride this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Background
Hometown hero Crolla and popular Scot Burns have agreed to a high-stakes clash at Manchester Arena this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports, as the winner keeps alive his hopes of another world title fight, while the loser could be forced to consider his future in the sport.
Live Fight Night
Crolla recovered from career-threatening injuries to claim the WBA lightweight title, but suffered back-to-back points defeats at the masterful hands of Jorge Linares and is determined to fight at the top level again.
Burns, a three-weight world champion, also wants to prove he can still compete with the very best and has moved down a division after losing his WBA super-lightweight belt in a unification clash with Julius Indongo.
The victorious fighter can look forward to more major bouts, with Luke Campbell a potential future opponent, but the beaten man will find it hard to rebuild.
What the fighters say
What the former opponents say
The biggest surprise was how physically strong he was, he was never going to box me, he wanted to take control, engage and have a proper fight.
Anthony is a tough, tough man. I don't know how he stood up to some of those shots that I was letting off on him. It also showed how fit he is.
What the experts say
I don't think Crolla can out-last Burns, but I don't know if Burns can match Crolla's pace. Ricky is definitely a better fighter, but just what has he got left?
It's a good clash of styles, both got experience and fought at the top level. It will be a great fight.
The weigh-in
Anthony Crolla: 9st 8lbs 9oz
Ricky Burns: 9st 8lbs 5oz
The time draws near...
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.
