CROLLA ON REDS ALERT
Manchester fighter banned from watching his beloved United as trainer fears picking up bugs and a loss of focus
ANTHONY CROLLA has given up watching his beloved Manchester United to ensure he is in perfect condition for tonight’s world title rematch with Jorge Linares. His trainer Joe Gallagher has told the United nut to stay away from games to avoid picking up any bugs and focus on Linares. Crolla’s last United match was against Bournemouth three weeks ago. He says the sacrifice will be worthwhile if he can reclaim his WBA lightweight title from Linares at Manchester Arena. “I know Joe just wants the best for me,” said the Mancunian. “I know I can’t afford to do stupid things, which could hamper me. “It’s not hard to do because I want to be in the best place physically and mentally, so no matter what happens I can say I prepared the best I could.” Gallagher has also shut Crolla away in a Manchester hotel this week – because he knows his man will have to be perfect to beat Linares and claim the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring magazine belts. “I’ve asked everybody to please leave the kid alone,” said Gallagher. “I’ve told them to get tickets from me or the Arena and not to bother him. “He’s been training at night, so he’s not had any social life or been to any Man United games recently.” Crolla, 30, is expected to be cheered on by Wayne Rooney and some of his other United idols tonight for this careerdefining fight. He is adamant he can be world champion again after losing his WBA title to Linares on points back in September and has promised to show his nasty streak against the Venezuelan. Crolla could be accused of being too nice and he said: “People say I’m Mr Nice Guy and it’s a compliment. “But whenever I’ve needed to dig deep, I’ve done it and I’ll do it again on Saturday night. “Whatever needs to be done to win, I’m prepared to do it. “I can be nasty. I’ve never lacked heart or determination and that will be the same on Saturday night. “Me and Jorge have shaken hands this week, but if I have to rough him up to win, I’ll do it.”