Crolla dreams of home town glory

World Title dream . . . Anthony Crolla.

ANTHONY Crolla says his desire to win a World title in his home town will drive him to victory in his rematch with Darleys Perez for the WBA lightweight title at the Manchester Arena on November 21.

The Chadderton-based star came within a whisker of ripping the title from the classy Colombian in their first meeting at the arena in July, which ended in a majority draw.

‘Million Dollar’ was granted an immediate rematch for the title by the WBA, and having already stated he will leave no doubt as to the winner this time, Crolla says he is dreaming of the belt being placed around his waist all the time.

“I think about winning the World title in Manchester every single day,” said Crolla.

“I think about it going into the gym, before I go to sleep, over and over. I am sure the real thing will be even better than how I imagine it, and that is what I want to experience on November 21.

“I will do everything I can to make that dream come true.

“It has been a dream since I first laced a pair of gloves, every fighter has the same dream, and there would be no better setting than to do it in front of my home town people.

“I still get goosebumps thinking about the July ring walk now.

“To have 12,000 people in an arena like that, it was surreal.

“To experience it as a fighter, it was a dream come true.”

Crolla faces Perez on a stacked bill in the city as the vacant British super-lightweight title is on the line in a rematch between Chris Jenkins and Tyrone Nurse, while Ryan Burnett faces Jason Booth for the vacant British bantamweight crown.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 from www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000.