Billy's Boxing Blog

Today, the biggest fight is in Manchester – WBA Lightweight champion puts his belt on the line against Anthony Crolla. This is a rematch of their fight in the same arena last September. In that fight, Linares won a close decision and went 12 rounds for the first time. The fact that the defending champion has agreed to go back to the same arena in Crolla’s home town for the rematch says a lot about the Venezuelan’s self-confidence. His Mancunian opponent has also made it clear he believes he can do better than in their first fight. His record in rematches suggests Crolla does improve the second time around. Crolla’s first world title shot Darly Perez – another Venezuelan – ended in a draw, and Perez was knocked out by vicious body shot in the rematch four months later.

The weigh in yesterday was like a reunion between two old friends. Both looked in peak condition, and there was genuine respect between the two fighters.

This time around, Linares goes into the fight knowing he can beat Crolla and can go the full 12 rounds if needed. Crolla knows he has to avoid big punches from this opponent, like the huge right hand he took in the sixth round of their first meeting that left him feeling dazed for several rounds, and he knows he has to start quickly and maintain the pressure for as long as the fight lasts.