Crolla ready to battle back to a world title
ANTHONY Crolla is hungry to prove he can still win a world title.
The New Moston fighter will face off against Daud Yordan at the Manchester Arena a week today in a final eliminator for the WBA lightweight world title.
Having lost to Jorge Linares in backto-back bouts in September 2016 and March 2017, defeats which saw him lose his WBA crown and the chance of winning the WBC Diamond lightweight title, 31-year-old Crolla says his best is yet to come as he bids to win back his title.
“It’s a world title final eliminator in my home town. If I can’t get up for that I’m in the wrong sport,” he said.
“It’s a short career, these nights don’t come around too often and when I’m out I’ll miss them dearly.
“I’m not a young man any more but I genuinely believe the best of me is still to come.”
Crolla knows that this fight will be no walk over, with Yordan’s experience and impressive record of 38-3, 26 of those wins coming by knockout. “Daud Yordan is a very dangerous opponent,” said Crolla.
“He’s been in and around world class operators for a number of years.
“He’s won 38 with a lot of knockouts and lost only three.
“If I’m not at my best, he’ll turn me over, so I’ve got to raise my performance levels and win this fight, which will open the door for another world title shot.”
Preparation will be key for Crolla, with him and trainer Joe Gallagher in agreement that this could be a long and bruising bout.
“Joe thinks this is going to be a long, hard and brutal fight, so in sparring we’ve tried to be smart so I’m fresh for fight night. The styles will gel and I’m sure it’ll be a great fight,” added Crolla.
“I can’t fight on emotions and try to be the hero.
“It’ll come down to pedigree but I know all in all it’s going to be tough in there.
“I’m confident I’ve put in the hard work in camp which will help me be victorious on the night.”
Crolla knows he’s not the finished product, despite his experience.
“I’m not a young man any more, but Joe thinks I’m boxing better than ever,” he said.
“All the numbers I hit in training are on the rise. I’m nearly 32, the body comes under stress at times but I’ve looked after myself and I’m ready to go into the trenches again next week.”