Crolla can continue career fairytale in Linares lightweight challenge on home territory

The in-form WBA title holder’s recent career story could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood move script on paper, with his low points being overcome with massive highs in the squared-circle, and he is confident of adding the next successful chapter this weekend.

“I rate Linares very highly but I genuinely believe I’ll have an answer for whatever he shows me,” declared Crolla, who is 6/4 to prevail on points.

“I’ve got to take advantage of some weaknesses…”

“He’s technically brilliant and I’ve got to be switched on from the opening bell. He’s a very good counter-puncher, so I know I can’t be lazy at any stage.

“He likes to fight at his pace and I can’t allow that. I’ve got to take advantage of some weaknesses that I think I’ve seen there. I’m confident I can do that.

“Kevin Mitchell was seconds away from winning but Jorge dragged himself off the floor and came from behind to get the stoppage. That’s what true champions do.”

Most fight fans will remember Linares as the man who ultimately got off the floor to end Mitchell’s career last year in London, and the three-weight world champion is 11/8 to halt Crolla’s rampant run in front of a partisan Manchester crowd.

An all-Mancunian match-up between WBA champion Crolla and WBO strap holder Terry Flanagan has been mooted for some time now, and it’s a unification showdown that would bring such a great sporting city to a standstill.

Although, Crolla must first deal with the latest threat of challenger Linares on home soil, with the coveted Ring magazine strap also on the line, before moving on to further prosperous fight nights in his career.

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