Stakes high for crunch clash

Boxing:

MANCHESTER’s John Murray say beating Chadderton-based Anthony Crolla will finally earn him the respect he believes his career deserves.

The friends are gearing up to meet at the Manchester Arena on April 19 in a crunch “Battle of Manchester” lightweight clash - with a fight against former WBO champion Ricky Burns possible for the winner.

Murray has won two out of two since his comeback from an unsuccessful World title challenge against Brandon Rios in New York in December 2011.

“Anthony is trying to break into the world scene and I am trying to get back there and land another world title shot so it’s the perfect fight. I think the winner of the fight will get a world title shot, so the stakes are huge.”

Murray’s clash with Crolla is part of a great night of action in Manchester, topped by Scott Quigg’s WBA World Super Bantamweight title defence against Nehomar Cermeno.

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OLDHAM welterweight Marvin Greaves was beaten on points in his latest professional bout at the Leeds United banqueting suite.

Greaves (32) lost a four-round contest against Bradford’s Darren Tetley, who is now unbeaten in two pro fights.