Boxing: Anthony Crolla handed hometown advantage for WBA shot against Richar Abril

Anthony Crolla will challenge Richar Abril for the WBA lightweight title in front of his own fans in Manchester on January 23.

The Mancunian has been pursuing a shot at Abril after a string of notable wins and received hometown advantage for his crack at the Cuban, live on Sky Sports.

Crolla warmed up with a routine six-round points win over Gyorgi Mizei Jnr and is determined to seize his first opportunity to become a world champion.

“To have the world title shot in Manchester is a huge factor,” said Crolla. “Without wanting to sound cheesy, it doesn’t get any bigger than that.

It is a very big ask, but there will be a few factors in my favour like being in my hometown which will bring an extra 25 per cent out of me.

“I am a Manchester lad so to be fighting in Manchester for a world title, I couldn’t ask for anything more and the only way it could get better than that is to go out there and win it.

“I have been watching a bit of Abril over the last year because we have been linked with a fight before, but I will watch a lot more of him after tonight. He is a very good champion - he is avoided for a reason.

“It is a very big ask, but there will be a few factors in my favour like being in my hometown which will bring an extra 25 per cent out of me.

“In training I will have an extra edge to me because I won’t have a problem getting out of bed in the morning knowing there is a world title at stake.

“I really believe deep down that I can win that fight and become a world champion. I am under no illusions, it is a tough fight and I go in a big underdog. But it is a fight I am capable of winning and the setting couldn’t be any better.

“To do it in front of my home fans really is the stuff dreams are made of.”