Crolla wants his title back

Photo: Bradley Ornesher

FOCUS . . . Anthony Crolla

THE message from Anthony Crolla is clear - 'I want my belt back!'.

Chadderton-based Crolla took time out of his training camp to speak to the media at a packed press conference in Manchester, arranged to promote his feverishly-anticipated WBA World lightweight title rematch in March with Tokyo-based Venezualan Jorge Linares.

Crolla (30) lost his title, and his bid to win the WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine titles, last September when Linares (31) gained a deserved unanimous points victory at the Manchester Arena.

Now, while clearly grateful to secure a second chance against Linares, 'Million Dollar' is determined not to end Saturday, March 25 with another 'L' against his name.

Crolla said: "I am thankful to get another opportunity to win these three great prizes, but I really want them now, I've got to take them.

"I don't want to go through that feeling of defeat again.

"I've worked harder and smarter than ever this time - I know I need to.

"I came up short in September, but I did enjoy some success during the fight and I really did take a lot from it.

"I'll be making a few changes to the game-plan with Joe (his trainer Gallagher) and hopefully we'll manage to do enough this time around.

"I can't waste this new chance to go down in history."

Tickets for Crolla v Linares II on March 25 are on sale now, priced from £40 (booking fees apply).

Log on to www.matchroomboxing.com then follow the link.

Chief support on the 'Repeat or Revenge' will see popular Blackpool middleweight pair Jack Arnfield and Brian Rose go head-to-head for the WBA international title.