Anthony Crolla and Callum Smith look ahead to Manchester United v Liverpool at Old Trafford
Thursday 10 September 2015 12:36, UK
Anthony Crolla and Callum Smith will be in opposite corners for once when Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday - live on Sky Sports.
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Crolla is a die-hard United fanatic while Smith and his famous boxing brothers are all Liverpool supporters - so we caught up with two of Britain's leading boxers for the lowdown on their experiences of English football's biggest fixture.
How many United v Liverpool fixtures have you actually been to?
Anthony says: I've been to loads. Last season I was at them both. They were two great games - both home and away. The away game last season was probably the best away game I've ever been to. It was a great result and a fantastic day for us Reds. The atmosphere there was unbelievable.
Callum says: A few. Not so many recently because it's hard to get to them on weekends. I go to the ones I can but it's mainly Liam who's the big football fan.
Are you going to this one?
Anthony says: Yes, I'll be at the ground, me.
Callum says: I'm hoping to but I'm in training. I think Liam and Paul are going so I'll see if I can get a ticket with them. We sit together most of the time. If not, then we'll be tuning in on TV but hopefully we can sort out the tickets.
Which one have you enjoyed the most?
Anthony says: The 1996 FA Cup final was obviously huge, when Eric Cantona scored that late goal. There was obviously silverware won that day but last year, that result meant a lot because it could have been the difference in making that fourth spot or not.
Callum says: When we beat them 4-1 and Gerrard kissed the camera. I can imagine that was Anthony's least favourite!
Which one have you enjoyed the least?
Anthony says: There was one in 2009 when Liverpool beat us and Steven Gerrard ran over and kissed the camera. I couldn't get that image out of my head. He'd just scored a penalty and I just couldn't get it out of my head. That was definitely the hardest one to be at. I was meant to go when we played them a while back but my girlfriend went in to labour. It was the perfect one to miss though, because they beat us!
Callum says: I think they've had the better of them over recent years so there have been a few I'd like to forget! I remember the FA Cup final when Cantona scored and we were wearing the green and white kit.
What's been the most memorable goal?
Anthony says: Being there, Mata's last year was unbelievable. I'd say the most important one was the late finish from Cantona in that 1996 FA Cup final. It was attritional that day but to get a late goal against them when I was only young, it was great. Being at the ground when Mata scored last year was great, though.
Callum says: I remember Robbie Fowler scored a brilliant goal in the 2000/2001 season. I enjoyed that one. There was also a young Gerrard scoring past Fabien Barthez...
Is the rivalry bigger than the rivalries with City and Everton?
Anthony says: Without a doubt. Without a doubt. Some people take it too far and forget it's only football but there's genuine hatred there. I'm not one of those people - I've got really good friends who are Liverpool fans so it's just banter for me but without doubt, it's bigger than our rivalry with Manchester City.
When it looked like Liverpool were going to win the league a couple of seasons ago, we all wanted City to win the league ahead of them. There wasn't one true United fan that wanted Liverpool to win the league. It's mad.
Callum says: I think this is a bigger game. I definitely feel there's more animosity between the fans and that's probably because United have been better than us in recent years. The Liverpool derbies are more friendly these days because a lot of families in the city are split between red and blue now.
Which Liverpool player over the years have you feared the most?
Anthony says: In recent years, it's Luis Suarez. Going back a bit, Robbie Fowler put a few past us. So it's between Suarez and Fowler.
Callum says: They've had good teams over the years. Every time David Beckham got on a corner, you expected a goal. They've also had Cristiano Ronaldo and Cantona years ago. They've had great teams - especially in my era. I've had to watch United dominate for years because I'm too young to remember Liverpool's great era.
If you can fight one Liverpool player in a boxing ring, who do you pick?
Anthony says: Am I only allowed one?! Of any time? Hmm... yeah, it'd be Suarez, without a doubt. He just couldn't help himself. I wouldn't pick someone like Jamie Carragher because he can look after himself! He likes his boxing and I like him as a pundit.
Callum says: I know Wayne Rooney is a big fan of his boxing. I like him outside of the ring but I know he'd enjoy it because he loves his boxing. I don't like any of the ones that score against us - a few have made me angry over the years.
What's your prediction?
Anthony says: It'll be tougher than last year at Old Trafford but I think we win 2-1 to United.
Callum says: Both teams have to bounce back from poor results. I'll say 2-1 to Liverpool but I think we could miss Philippe Coutinho.
