CROLLA VICTORY WOULD BE ‘BEST SINCE HATTON’
ANTHONY CROLLA’S trainer claims beating Jorge Linares would be the best win by a British fighter since Ricky Hatton defeated Kostya Tszyu in 2005.
Joe Gallagher claims Linares is as good as the legendary Tszyu, and the WBA and WBC Diamond lightweight king has won four world titles at three different weights.
But he is adamant Crolla can avenge his points loss to Linares from September, in their rematch at Manchester Arena tomorrow, when the Ring Magazine belt is also up for grabs.
“People haven’t given Linares the credit he deserves,” said Gallagher. “They go on about Errol Spence and Charles Martin before him, and Golovkin, but this guy is a four-time world champion at three different weights.
“He’s like Tszyu. If Anthony wins, it will be right up there with the other great wins by British fighters.
“It would be the best win by a British fighter since Hatton (below) beat Tszyu.
“That’s what we’re talking about here.”
Gallagher has taken away Crolla’s phone during camp to focus on Linares and admits he could not give the Mancunian his full attention last time. “I only got back from America with Liam Smith on the Monday of fight week,” he said. “Before that, I had been away with Callum Smith.
“That added up to 13 days away from Anthony and this time it has been good to have that time to work on everything.
“I’ve kept him away from everything and he has focused on what needs to be done.”
Venezuelan Linares, 31, said: “I’m used to fighting away from home and this is my third time in the UK.
“You are going to see an even better Jorge Linares.”