Anthony Crolla must keep calm against Darleys Perez, says trainer Joe Gallagher
Wednesday 15 July 2015 13:14, UK
Anthony Crolla must maintain discipline if he is to beat Darleys Perez to the WBA lightweight title, says trainer Joe Gallagher.
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Crolla (29-4-2-KO11) takes on the Colombian (32-1-KO23) at the Manchester Arena live on Sky Sports, and Gallagher believes staying cool in the heat of home crowd advantage will be key if Crolla is to repeat Ricky Hatton's world title heroics in the same arena a decade ago.
Gallagher told Sky Sports: "It's going to be an emotional ringwalk on the night but he's got to keep those emotions in check. Hopefully the crowd can roar Crolla home the way they roared Ricky through the tough times that night.
We've spoken about discipline because he knows he's in against a quality opponent and he can't afford to get 'giddy.'
"We've spoken about discipline because he knows he's in against a quality opponent and he can't afford to get 'giddy' as I call it. He can't take that risk because Perez only needs one shot - he's got a dangerous left hook in him. Anthony can't slip up by being reckless.
"Anthony doesn't have the profile that Ricky had but he's already had some massive nights. He fought John Murray in a huge fight that divided the city and he's also had Fights of the Year with Derry Mathews and Gavin Rees.
"He's got the crowd behind him and it's a world title chance. He thought it was gone but fair play to Eddie Hearn and Sky Sports to get him the opportunity. Everyone has done their job and now Anthony can go out and do his.
"Perez is a very dangerous opponent. He's a former Olympian and very heavy handed. You don't get world titles given to you and Crolla will have to go out there and earn it."
Crolla's bid for world title glory is part of a huge night of boxing that sees Scott Quigg defend his world super-bantamweight title, Martin Murray take on Mirzet Bajrektarevic plus two British title fights.
