Crolla is flying high for title win

Photo: Bradley Ormesher

Boxer Anthony Crolla

ANTHONY Crolla insists he is flying in his camp ahead of his World lightweight title unification rematch with Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on Saturday week, March 25.

Crolla was told in no uncertain terms by trainer Joe Gallagher that he had to lock himself away as he prepared to meet the Venezuelan for the second time following their tight first encounter in September, where Linares added Crolla's WBA strap to his WBC Diamond belt and the Ring Magazine crown.

Chadderton-based 'Million Dollar' is looking to reclaim the belt he won in stunning fashion in his Manchester fortress in a rematch with Darleys Perez, before KOing Ismael Barroso, and the 30-year-old believes that paying heed to Gallagher's impassioned plea in their press conference to stay focussed on training will pay dividends in a fortnight's time.

"I understood what Joe meant in the press conference," said Crolla.

'STUPID'

"I think in the past I have been a bit stupid and that's been my fault. I run around with tickets and stress over things, I've been told it for years but this time it's been different and I'm flying in camp. It's been a load off my shoulders and I am just concentrating on getting my belt back."

Crolla's clash with Linares is part of a huge night of action in Manchester where there's a crossroads battle of Blackpool as middleweights Brian Rose and Jack Arnfield lock horns.

Martin J Ward defends his British super-featherweight title against Maxi Hughes in their third clash in the paid ranks, while Irish sensation Katie Taylor fights for the fourth time as a pro.

The amateur sensation has already boxed in Manchester having gone the distance with Vivienne Obenauf there in December, and Taylor is ready to put on another scintillating display as the 30-year-old gets into her groove as a pro.

"The Linares-Crolla fight rematch is a brilliant fight and another massive event," said Taylor.

"It was a great atmosphere at the O2, but every fight is a big one. You can't afford to slip up in the pro game so every fight is like an Olympic final."

Tickets are on sale priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from www.manchesterarena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000.