Crolla is ready to hit the heights again

Photo: Anthony Miller

BATTERIES RE-CHARGED . . . Anthony Crolla is counting down the weeks until he fights Jorge Linares

ANTHONY 'Million Dollar' Crolla knows full well he's going to have to scale considerable heights again on Saturday, September 24, when he defends his WBA world lightweight title for the second time against tough-as-teak Venezualan Jorge Linares in Manchester.

Chadderton-based Crolla (29) has taken a couple of short, yet well-earned breaks since dramatically knocking out Ismael Barroso in the seventh round in his home city in May, but now, 10 weeks out from his next daunting assignment, he's refreshed and more than ready to go once again.

Crolla said: "I've been away with the family and had a few days off with the lads, but in between all that I was still ticking over.

"I've never been one to sit around, eating junk food and having a beer. That's never been me.

"I've re-charged the batteries and I am happy to be back in camp.

"Now it's two or three sessions per day as we just look to keep making improvements.

"You've always got to improve at each camp. We monitor things and are always looking to improve each score, each time, or the amount of weight lifted.

"The levels we reached before the last fight were great - I produced a career-best performance - but I know I'm going to have to raise it again to beat Jorge Linares.

"That's what we'll do, and we are in a very good place at present."

The raucous crowd that is sure to pack out the Arena on September 24 is definitely something that Crolla intends to feed off again when he goes in with Linares, a 30-year-old star who has won 40 of his 43 professional fights so far.

His WBC version of the lightweight title means Crolla will battle it out for the WBA and WBC Diamond belts in September.

SUPPORT

Asked about the support, Crolla added: "It gives you an extra 10-per-cent, and extra gear if you like, and it does make it that little easier.

"In football terms the fans are like a 12th man.

"Once the bell goes there will only be me and Jorge Linares in that ring, but when that crowd gets behind you, it does lift you, it really does.

"You've got to use that in the right way by not moving away from your game-plan and getting too emotionally involved, but it really does help."

Tickets for 'Two Worlds Collide' are now available via the link on www.matchroomboxing.com.