Crolla determined to bounce back in style

Photo: Bradley Ormesher

Anthony Crolla

ANTHONY Crolla's big night at a packed-out Manchester Arena ended in massive disappointment, but he's vowed to come back stronger and better by the time the anticipated rematch comes around.

Chadderton-based Crolla (29) went toe-to-toe for 12 gruelling rounds against tough-as-teak Venezualan superstar Jorge Linares, before eventually losing his WBA world lightweight title on a unanimous points decision.

The bid to unify the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine belts went begging as the three judges scored the fight 115-114, 115-113 and 117-111 in Linares' favour, but though 'gutted' later, Crolla is determined to eventually dethrone the undisputed champion once they lock horns again, probably in February or March, again in Manchester.

Crolla said: "It was a close fight, but I've got no complaints about the decision in the end.

"I'm disappointed of course, but I've been in with the best lightweight out there and I came so close to beating him.

"There are things I could have differently and things that my trainer Joe (Gallagher) told me to do and I didn't.

"But I am still improving and learning, and I'll come back better next time.

"I need to come back and do it for the people of Manchester.

"They've supported me brilliantly again and I owe it to them to win my world title back."

More than 12,000 Crolla fanatics packed out the Arena, making the atmosphere electric and one which rivalled the days when Ricky Hatton used to fight for his titles at the same venue around a decade ago,

Both battlers had their moments, but a strong final two rounds from the South American may well have heavily influenced the judges' final decisions.

Gallagher was proud of his charge, who is now set to take a break with his young family before beginning to plot a way to finally defeat the massively talented Linares.

Gallagher said: "Once again Anthony showed his true class in that ring.

"Yes, Linares shoe-shined those final couple of rounds, but up until that point it had been very close.

"I felt that after the eighth round, then the 10th, and at that point I told Anthony he might be needing something special in the closing stages.

"He'll just be a better fighter all round for this experience.

"Being in there with the best can only be good for him, and we know Linares can be beaten. We'll just have to do it next time."

Many of the Manchester United team were ringside to offer Reds fanatic Crolla support, but he's just going to have to do it all again next year.