Crolla and Burns better than ever...

ANTHONY Crolla has no doubt he and Ricky Burns will deliver a better fight when they meet on October 7 than they would have done at any time in the past.

A contest that has seemed close to happening on a number of occasions over the years has now finally been scheduled, with the pair set to do battle at lightweight at Manchester Arena.

The clash has a definite must-win feel to it for both men as they each look to bounce back from unanimous points defeats in world title fights last time out.

Mancunian Crolla (31-6-3, 13 KO wins), 30, failed to regain the WBA lightweight title in March as he lost his rematch with Jorge Linares.

Thirty-four-year-old Scot Burns (41-6-1, 14 KO wins), who has held world titles in three weight divisions, then had the WBA light-welterweight crown taken from him by Julius Indongo the following month.

Speaking yesterday at a press conference in Manchester, Crolla told Press Association Sport: “Ricky and I sparred together years ago - the last time was either 2009 or 2010. We’ve done quite a few rounds together. Since then we’ve both improved as fighters and have a lot more experience.

“There was talk of us fighting in 2011 but it’ll be a better fight now. We’re both more hungry and better than we have ever been.

“I look at every fight as a must-win, but certainly the winner of this one is almost guaranteed another world title shot.

“The loser has two choices to retire, or take that tough old road back to try to climb up to that level again. Me personally, I believe I am still improving and I’m confident of winning.”

Burns, whose mutual respect with Crolla was clear at Tuesday’s media event, also feels he still has plenty to offer.

“All I seem to be getting now from people is ‘when are you going to retire?”’ said Burns, a former WBO lightweight world champion.

“I still have another couple of years left in me. Nobody would know more than myself if it was time to call it a day.

“I have had some big nights in this division, I still have a few big nights left in me yet and I’m confident October 7 will be one.”