Linares vs Crolla II: Ricky Hatton ready to follow Anthony Crolla to Vegas
Thursday 23 March 2017 13:29, UK
Ricky Hatton would love Anthony Crolla to beat Jorge Linares and follow him out to Las Vegas.
The former two-weight world champion is not ruling out Million Dollar's chances of winning Saturday's rematch, live on Sky Sports, saying it is a genuine 50-50.
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But if Crolla can do it, Hatton is certain his fellow Mancunian should demand a fight out in Las Vegas and having taken 30,000 fans over there to take on Floyd Mayweather, The Hitman would love to go back as a supporter.
"Anthony Crolla has achieved his ultimate goal by winning the world title and if he can beat Linares, who is a pound-for-pounder, there is nothing much more he can do," he told Sky Sports.
He's ticked all the boxes and the only one left is to go to Vegas and see his name up there in lights. And if he wins this fight he should get straight on to Eddie (Hearn) and insist
"He's ticked all the boxes and the only one left is to go to Vegas and see his name up there in lights. And if he wins this fight he should get straight on to Eddie (Hearn) and insist.
"If anyone deserves to go out there and fight it is him. Would I go out there and cheer him on? Absolutely. I am so proud to have an input into Anthony's career and am hoping he can do it."
Hatton has warned Linares to expect an even more hostile atmosphere when he returns to the Manchester Arena, with the WBC 'Diamond', WBA and Ring Magazine titles on the line.
"I will be there on Saturday night, absolutely," he said.
"One thing I take pride in is the following I had, which was very unique, but the Manchester Arena is now his home.
"Us Mancunians are very proud of our city and all the boxing champions we've had are down-to-earth, no airs and graces. There is noting flash about Antony, or Scott Quigg, or Carl Thompson. We let our fists do the talking and I know more than most, the whole city gets behind their boxers.
"They will get behind Anthony more than usual in this one, because I am sure they would all love to go back to Vegas. And no matter what the outcome, he'll do Manchester proud."
Watch Jorge Linares vs Anthony Crolla II and a packed undercard, live from the Manchester Arena, from 7pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 1.
