Crolla eyes more derby-day glory

BOXING:

ANTHONY Crolla insists he will keep up is 100-per-cent record in Manchester derbies when he clashes with John Murray at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester on Saturday.

Chadderton-based Crolla has boxed and won four all-Manchester fights in his career to date, but says the Murray clash will be the hardest yet – especially with the two men knowing each other very well.

“John and I are good mates, we used to train together under Joe Gallagher and we support United and City,” said Crolla.

“We will go out for a drink after the fight, but once that bell goes there won’t be any friendship.

“This was always the fight I wanted and the demand there was for it showed how big a fight it is. I’m made up that it’s happening, it’s great for the city.”

While neither fighter will look beyond the huge night in Manchester, both men are aware that there’s more than just local pride at stake. The victor will edge closer to another big fight and a potential all-Brit clash with Ricky Burns.

He added: “A fight with Ricky is still a big fight even though he’s no longer a world champion. Ricky is a great fighter and I am sure he’ll be looking at another title shot very soon.”