Anthony Crolla aims to prove that he's the world's best lightweight
Wednesday 21 September 2016 06:04, UK
Anthony Crolla is full of respect for Jorge Linares but aims to prove that he is the world's No 1 lightweight on Saturday night.
The Mancunian defends his WBA title against Linares, who is a three-weight world champion, at the Manchester Arena this weekend, live on Sky Sports 2.
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Linares previously held the WBC belt before he was stripped due to injury and Crolla believes he will be rightly recognised as the best 135lb fighter if he defeats the highly-rated Venezuelan.
"This is the biggest fight out there - the two best lightweights in the world," Crolla told Sky Sports News HQ.
Anyone who knows boxing, knows how good a fight this is.
"He's a very good fighter. He's a cool guy and it's not my style anyway, but we don't need any smack talk to build this fight up.
"Anyone who knows boxing, knows how good a fight this is. He's a three-weight world champion, possibly a future hall of famer. You only have to look at his credentials to see just how good he is."
Crolla defended his title with an explosive stoppage win over Ismael Barroso, while Linares is well-known in Britain after stopping Kevin Mitchell in a brutal battle, and they are expected to produce another thrilling fight.
"I think with mine and Jorge's style, you fail to see how it could not be a good fight," he said.
"I think everyone is expecting fireworks and our styles will gel for a great fight and I cannot wait for it."
As Manchester's latest boxing hero, Crolla is determined to deliver victory in front of his hometown fans and admits he could need their vocal support when the first bell rings.
"In football terms, it's the 12th man," said Crolla. "I know once that bell goes, it will just be me and Jorge Linares, just like me and whoever my opponent may be.
"It will certainly make it easier to go through the gears, or if things aren't going too well, to bite down on the gum shield and come back. They will play a big part here."
Watch Crolla v Linares live on Sky Sports 2 from 7.30pm this Saturday
