Anthony Crolla says he knows he has to put in the performance of his life to take Darleys Perez’s WBA Lightweight title from him on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena – and has promised his fans that he will deliver.
Crolla had a January World title shot at Richar Abril cruelly taken from him when he was brutally attacked when interrupting burglars at his neighbour’s home in Chadderton in December, with the fractured skull and broken ankle destroying that fight.
It has been a grueling road back from ‘Million Dollar’, but he returned to the gym and molded himself into the best shape of his life ahead of his clash with the classy Colombian, and the 28 year old believes he will grab his destiny with both hands on Saturday night.
Crolla said:
“I need a career-best performance on Saturday night to win.
“But the way I have prepared and the way I feel physically and mentally, I know I can bring that performance out of myself. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and those fans will drive me onto victory.
“Physically I am in the best shape of my life, without a shadow of a doubt. Fighters never say otherwise, but my camp has been brilliant. I’ve had no injuries or niggles, which is a relief after everything that happened. I’m in a brilliant place and ready to become World champion.
“Stylistically, Perez and Abril are very different and styles make fights. I think it will be a better fight to watch as our styles will gel well. Perez is a very good fighter, he’s got power in both hands and he’s a very good counter-puncher. I know I have to be switched on from the word go.
“Tactics are going to be important on Saturday night and with Joe Gallagher in my corner, I know he will have left no stone unturned in setting up the game plan.”
