Anthony Crolla in 'best shape of his life' ahead of WBA title defence against Ismael Barroso
Friday 6 May 2016 13:54, UK
Anthony Crolla admits he is aware of Ismael Barroso's punching power but says he is in the "best shape of his life" and warned the Venezuelan not to underestimate him ahead of their WBA lightweight title at the weekend, live on Sky Sports 2.
Crolla will enjoy home comforts when he puts his belt on the line for the first time against undefeated Barroso at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night.
Live Fight Night
However, the 29-year-old is a slight underdog with bookies - despite being champion and fighting in front of his own fans - due to Barroso's reputation as being a big hitter.
The 33-year-old southpaw boasts a 19-0-2 record and has claimed 18 of his 19 victories inside the distance, including a fifth-round stoppage of Kevin Mitchell in his last fight in December.
"I know there's no room for error on the night," admitted Crolla (30-4-3-12KOs).
"I'm a realist and I know Ismael Barroso has got the power to swing fights with one punch so if I am not switched on from the start, I could be in trouble and I could be in trouble early.
"That's why I can't let that happen. I think a lot of my strength and power will be overlooked but that just gives me that added fear factor. It makes me that bit sharper and gets you out of bed that little bit earlier.
"It pushes you that little bit harder in the gym and I certainly feel in the best shape of my career, which I will have to be."
Joe Gallagher, Crolla's trainer, says Barroso deserves respect due to his heavy hands but questioned whether the challenger can take a punch.
"What people have got to remember is that Anthony Crolla carries a bit of pop going into this fight and the one thing from Barroso, from what I am hearing, I don't think he seems to handle a shot that well.
"We are very respectful of Barroso, of his power, but there is one thing for sure he will get hit in this fight. He didn't against Kevin Mitchell but he will in this fight and questions will be answered about Barroso on the night that Anthony has already answered during his career.
"But I am expecting a real good fight and Anthony Crolla to come out there with the support behind him and still be world champion."
Two-time world title challenger Mitchell, who hung up his gloves after losing to Barroso, believes Crolla can succeed where he failed but warned the Mancunian that he must be disciplined and not get drawn into a war.
"There are times when it will get hard and it will get tough but he will have to get through it," Mitchell told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I wouldn't throw more than two or three punches at him because if you do that it gives him a chance to get one of his shots off.
"Yeah, he can punch. He's heavy handed but he doesn't have great feet. Because he hit me very hard it doesn't mean he's going to do the same thing with Crolla.
"He does his job against me but I fought the wrong fight. I was trying to fight with him but I think Anthony will be a bit more shrewd and could out-smart him."
Watch Anthony Crolla's title defence against Ismael Barroso live and exclusive this Saturday on Sky Sports 2 from 7.30pm. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
