Anthony Crolla Gunning For Glory Against Darleys Perez

By Olly Campbell - 07/15/2015 - Comments

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This Saturday night in Manchester, one of British boxing’s most likable characters, Anthony Crolla, attempts to cap off a difficult 7 months with a fairy tale ending, by capturing the WBA (reg) lightweight strap against dangerous Colombian Darleys Perez.

Crolla’s fighting career was in serious danger of ending last December, when he was attacked after foiling a burglary attempt at a neighbour’s home – an incident that left him with a fractured skull, a broken ankle, and a whole lot of uncertainty as to whether he would ever even box again.

He had been due to face then-champion Richar Abril, yet was understandably forced to withdraw from the contest.

Thankfully for the Manchester man however, he has made a full recovery and is entering into the biggest fight of his career confident he will give 100% for his home-town fans.

Speaking to the “Manchester Evening News”, Crolla was upbeat;

“I honestly am in the best shape of my career and I’m in a really good place at the moment. You would expect to hear those sort of things ahead of a world-title fight but without doubt this is the best I have felt.”

“My weight is fantastic and my training has been better than it has ever been, so there will be no excuses on fight night.”

“It sounds strange but what happened was probably a blessing in disguise as it has allowed me to get into this condition.”

“I’ve got an unbelievable team around me that have been getting the best out of me during my training camp and I promise I will give 100 per cent against Perez.”

While consensus opinion is that “Million Dollar” is going to be up against it facingt Perez, former world champion and fellow Mancunian Ricky Hatton, has chimed in with his own support, and backs Crolla to pull off the upset;

“It’s a great story for Crolla. You’d have never thought a few years ago that he’d be fighting for a world title. In many ways he has nothing to lose but I’ve been up to the Gallagher gym to see him and he’s looking in fantastic shape.”

“Only a few months ago, his career was nearly over when his next door neighbour was getting robbed. He went to do the right thing and got hit over the head. His career could’ve been over and now he’s got a world title shot.”

“It’d be such a nice story if he finishes the journey with a world title. From a career nearly over to a world title a few months later. It’s such a great story” said Hatton.

Anthony Crolla vs Darleys Perez is co-main event of the evening, alongside Quigg v Martinez on Matchroom Sport’s “High Stakes” bill.

All the action will be live on Sky Sports.

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