Crolla: this is my time

ANTHONY CROLLA GETS READY TO FACE DARLEYS PEREZ BEFORE THE REMATCH FOR PEREZ'S CROWN

ANTHONY Crolla has been gearing up for his latest mega fight at the Manchester Arena with two huge words driving him on – ‘world champion’.

Chadderton-based Crolla (29) will have raucous home-town support again tomorrow night when he tries for a second time to win the WBA World lightweight title when he takes on Colombian Darleys Perez in a feverishly-anticipated rematch.

Last time the two met, in July, title-holder Perez flew back to South America with the belt thanks to a hugely controversial majority draw decision from the three ringside judges.

However, this time Crolla is more determined than ever to finally achieve his near 20-year dream of securing one of boxing’s ultimate prizes.

Asked about the prospect of becoming world champion tomorrow, Crolla told the Chronicle: “Those are the two words that have been driving me on ever since I first laced up a pair of gloves at the age of 10.

“That flame, that desire and fuel to win this title tomorrow have never been stronger following everything that has gone on in my life this last 12 months.

“Of course, I’d never ever look past Darleys Perez. That would be foolish, but we all have dreams and winning a world title has been mine since I was a little kid.

“It would be totally life-changing, and for me especially due to the family I’ve got now.

“If I do win it would be for them.

“They are what I’m in boxing for, to achieve the unachievable if you like, and to make people proud and make my family proud.”

Crolla is happy to be focusing solely on the task in the ring this time around.

Injuries he sustained trying to stop a burglary attempt at a neighbour's home last Christmas were the feature in many column inches as he prepared for his July clash.

Now, it’s only boxing that Crolla has his attention on this time, and he is clearly honoured just to be part of a buzzing domestic fight scene.

BURGLARY

Crolla said: “Last time the build-up featured a lot about the burglary incident and the injuries I suffered then, but this time it is more business-like, and that’s what I prefer and how I like it.

“Don’t get me wrong, last time I got amazing support and I was grateful for that, but it is nice to be that more business-like this time and to be talking about the boxing.

“It’s an unbelievable time to be in boxing at the moment.

“Even the undercard tomorrow features lads I’ve grown up watching, so it’s great just to be involved with them now.

“It’s mad. I’m getting young lads asking if they can get me on these great cards at the Arena, and I was that kid not so long ago.

“I’m confident I’ll be a champion by the end of tomorrow night.”

* Follow Simon Smedley’s Twitter updates tomorrow night.