Crolla hungry for world dominance

CHAMP . . . Crolla (right) with Eddie Hearn and trainer Joe Gallagher

ANTHONY Crolla has won his WBA world boxing title already, but he's still hungry for more.

Now, the Chadderton-based 29-year-old is fully focused on unifying his division, and he has a great chance to become the outright lightweight king of the planet when he takes on Venezualan Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on September 24.

On the line that night will be Crolla's title, Linares' WBC version and the prestigious Ring Magazine belt, indicating the victor will be the undisputed best lightweight in the world.

At a packed press conference yesterday, Crolla said: "It's more about creating a legacy for me now.

"Thankfully I've achieved my world title dream now, but I'm not happy just to settle for that. I am a Jorge Linares fan myself. I love watching him box, but all that respect will go out of the window on September 24."

Given the way Crolla destroyed Ismael Barroso in July to defend his world title, September 24 and the 'Two Worlds Collide' bill-topper is being widely tipped beforehand to be a very even contest.

Linares (31) is a tough-as-teak south American who many believe is already the planet's number one at lightweight.

That doesn't faze Crolla, though, particularly given his 'home' advantage.

"I see the Arena as my house," added 'Million Dollar'. "And no drink or drug could ever give me the buzz that place does when I walk out in front of thousands of Mancunians."