Anthony Crolla big fight night against Ricky Burns

Anthony Crolla with Oldham Rugby Club chairman Chris Hamilton

Local boxing hero Anthony Crolla has a big night in the ring at the Manchester Arena on Saturday (7 October) -  a lightweight fight against Ricky Burns, the pride of Scotland.

Burns is one of only three British boxers to win world titles in three weight divisions, having held WBO super-featherweight and lightweight titles, followed by the WBA super-lightweight title.

Crolla, from Chadderton, held the British lightweight title from 2011 to 2012 and the WBA lightweight title from 2015 to 2016. He has won 31 of his 40 fights - 13 of them by a knock-out.

It is generally believed in boxing circles that Saturday night's winner will be lined up for another crack at a world title.

Crolla told BBC Scotland: "There is going to be an amazing atmosphere.

"I have a lot of respect for Ricky. He will have great support from Scotland and I will be in front of my beloved Manchester crowd."

Crolla hit national and international headlines in December, 2014 when, only five weeks before his scheduled world title fight against Cuba's Richar Abril, he tackled intruders at his next door neighbour's house in Chadderton, suffering a fractured skull and a broken ankle.

He caught one of the two burglars, but the other then attacked him with a lump of concrete before both ran away.

Despite suffering horrific injuries, and spending three days in the Royal Oldham Hospital, Crolla was crowned world champion less than a year later when he stopped Darleys Perez in round five.

The fight will be televised live by Sky Sports.

Crolla will be the star attraction and guest speaker at Oldham Rugby League Club's 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 3 November, were fans can meet the 'Million Dolla' man and be photographed with him.

Tickets priced £45, or £450 plus vat for a table of ten, also include three-course dinner, live entertainment, DJ and table magician.

For bookings or to seek further information:

enquiries@roughyeds.co.uk

07904 898177