Fans firing up Crolla’s world tilt

READY FOR BATTLE . . . Chadderton’s Anthony Crolla

BOXING: HUGE support from his Manchester fans is dragging Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla towards world title glory on July 18.

Chadderton-based Crolla will go toe-to-toe with Colombian tough guy Darleys Perez at the Manchester Arena as the South American defends his WBA lightweight title.

It’s going to be an unbelievably tough task for Crolla (28) to wrestle the title from Perez’s grasp. The Colombian has won 32 of his 33 pro fights - 20 of them inside the distance.

But Crolla has revealed his local fan-base means a huge amount to him. They certainly helped to haul him through the lows that came with the injuries from his attempt to stop of burglary at his neighbour’s home before Christmas.

“It was great to set up in Piccadilly Gardens and it was brilliant to see so many people turn out,” said Crolla. “Getting out to see the public at an event like this means a lot to me.

“Since everything that happened to me before Christmas, I have come back bigger, stronger and better than before. I said I’d do that in May and I have. The support of Manchester people has been fantastic.

“I’ve heard from so many well-wishers it’s been overwhelming.”

Tickets at www.manchester-arena.com.

twitter: @Smedders1966