The sport of boxing draws criticism from many corners, but one thing that is rarely mentioned are the sport’s heroes. The good guys. And on Saturday in Manchester, we get to witness one of the great guys — Anthony Crolla, as he challenges Darleys Perez for a lightweight title strap.
Anthony Crolla
- 24 (11 KOs) – 4 – 2
- Age: 28
- Height: 5ft 8in
- Reach: 67″
Darleys Perez
- 32 (20 KOs) – 1
- Age: 31
- Height: 5ft 7in
- Reach: 70″
Perez vs. Crolla Preview
Manchester’s ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla is the people’s champion. On hearing his neighbor being robbed, he took it upon himself to apprehend the criminals, resulting in him being assaulted in sickening fashion hurling any sort of future career into doubt.
He suffered a fractured skull and a broken ankle at the tail end of 2014 and this weekend… he fights for the WBA championship of the world. That in itself, is a phenomenal achievement. But, if you think the sentiment will be enough to keep Crolla happy, think again. He is coming to win. And win he could very well do.
Beaten 4 times previously, Crolla has found himself in deep waters against domestic level opponents and suffered his biggest loss against WBA interim titlist Derry Matthews. On a memorable night in his hometown, the keys to victory will be his elusive movement, slick combinations and his incredible engine. Crolla is certainly not the best in the lightweight division, but the circumstances, his skills and the atmosphere on the night may culminate in the performance of a lifetime.
Now, the man across the canvas, Darleys Perez, has a stellar record but one that doesn’t necessarily reveal much. Of his 33 fights, 23 of them on record have come against fellow Colombians. The most recognizable name on Perez’ record also doubles as his only loss, Yuriorkis Gamboa, although there’s no shame in that defeat.
Prediction
Perez is a 2-1 favorite in the fight as of the time of this writing. But, casting the odds aside, I believe that Crolla will win this fight via unanimous decision.
Call me a romantic, but I believe in this fairytale. Give me Crolla on points in the most emotional of evenings in Manchester. If he loses, he will sneak through the ropes with the pride of a champion but something in my heart tells me he can pull it off.
