Anthony Crolla says prove he is the best Lightweight in the World as he defends his WBA title against Ismael Barroso at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night.
Crolla is the underdog against the hard-hitting challenger that made a name for himself in December when he KO’d Kevin Mitchell inside five rounds at The O2 in London to land the mandatory position.
‘Million Dollar’ has taken that underdog status in his stride having landed the title in a rematch against Darleys Perez where the bookies went with the visitor on that occasion too, and the Manchester fan favourite believes he’ll upset the odds again this weekend against the avoided Venezuelan.
“There was no way I was going to swerve Barroso,” said Crolla. “I’ll fight anyone and I wasn’t about to duck my mandatory, no matter how dangerous. He’s been swerved and avoided, but when you are the champion it’s your responsibility to fight the best opponents out there and he fits the bill.
“Barroso showed against Kevin that he was more than just a raw, wild big puncher. He showed he had ability and a boxing brain. That wasn’t the best Kevin Mitchell that night. I felt at the weigh-in that it was going to be a tough night for Kev as he looked a bit frail and he looked a bit old in there.
“I’ve been the underdog a lot in my career and it’s worked well for me, I’ve thrived off it. It’s not often the World champion is the underdog when he defends a title, but here we are. I’ve proved people wrong and I will keep doing it. I’ve improved since the Perez fight and I’m going to show it on Saturday.”Heading into his showdown with WBA World Lightweight Champion Anthony Crolla (30-4-3, 12 KOs) this Saturday night at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, UK, WBA #1-rated contender and interim champion Ismael Barroso (19-0-2, 18 KOs) and his team wish to offer their sincere respect to the “future former champion.”
“He is a true champion,” said Barroso of Crolla. “There were easier domestic fights for more money he could have taken, but he wanted to do the right thing and face his top challenger. I admire him for that.”
Unfortunately, the murderous punching Barroso, of El Tigre, Venezuela, says he’ll be ending the brave Englishman’s run as champion on Saturday night.
“He (Crolla) won the WBA title by an upset last year and he’s a likeable man,” continued Barroso, “but all good things come to an end. When they help him up after the fight Saturday, he will have all my respect and I wish him very well for the rest of his life.”
Greg Cohen, promoter of Barroso, agrees with his fighter’s sentiment.
“Anthony is a true champion, but he’s in way over his head in this one. And him being in his home country and the fans backing him, that only makes Ismael that much more determined. Crolla has had a great and surprising run as champion, but there’s not much anyone can do for him in the face of the kind of power he’s up against.”
