Crolla aims to right a wrong

Photo: -BRAD ORMESHER-

I’M A BELIEVER: Anthony Crolla is preparing for “12 hard rounds” against Darleys Perez in November.

BOXING:

THE injustice of a majority draw decision last time against Colombian Darleys Perez is driving Anthony Crolla ahead of his eagerly-anticipated rematch on November 21.

At the Manchester Arena in July, Chadderton’s Crolla (28) failed to wrestle the WBA world lightweight title from Perez after two of the judges scored the 12-round epic level and the other went for the local hero. That wasn’t enough to secure an outright win, much to the frustration of fans and pundits alike.

Crolla’s frustration has clearly been channelled in a good way: the boxer is confident he will emerge victorious this time: “The talk has been about me being on the wrong end of a bad decision, but that’s only served to add more fuel to my fire.

“A few people questioned my decision to take the fight on after everything that happened, but I never stopped believing and I've now proved I do belong at that level. The rematch will be every bit as big as the first fight. I’d be daft to go in there and disrespect Darleys Perez in any way, shape or form - but I’m going to stick to the plan and hopefully that will be enough.

“Over the next few weeks I’ll be preparing for 12 hard rounds.”

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn is relishing the prospect of his ‘Pride of Manchester’ show. Tickets are flying out of the box office already.

“Last time at the arena was a very special occasion,” he said. “This time will be no different. It’s going to be another close one, but everybody probably felt he should have won the title last time. It’s up to him to make sure this time.”

Tickets: www.matchroomboxing.com