Ring Announcer Buffer Ready For Rumble For Manchester

Michael Buffer is heading to Manchester on July 18 to introduce the huge World title clashes between Scott Quigg and Kiko Martinez and Anthony Crolla and Darleys Perez at the Manchester Arena on July 8, live on Sky Sports.

The Hall Of Fame ring MC returns to the UK for another evening of World class boxing where Quigg defends his WBA Super Bantamweight title against former IBF king Martinez while Crolla hopes to cap a fairy-tale comeback from the terrible attack he suffered at the hands of burglars in December – by ripping the WBA Lightweight title from Perez.

Buffer was in London for the box office bonanza on May 30 with three World title fights, and the American legend is coming back for more in Manchester, where he has witnessed some of Britain’s best in action.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Manchester once again and at one of the great hotbeds of boxing – the Manchester Arena,” said Buffer. “I’ve been there maybe a dozen times starting with Prince Naseem Hamed 18 years ago and on through the years with main events featuring legendary champions, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan.

“The name and sponsorship title of the arena may have changed a few times but the turnout of support by the fans is still there and recognized among the best in the world. Another great night of boxing looms for those loyal and supportive Manchester fans on July 18 with two vacant British titles on the line and a pair of world championship contests.

“Both of these world title bouts have great back stories. Darleys Perez, the WBA Lightweight champ will travel from Columbia to defend his title against the Mancunian challenger, Anthony Crolla. Perez has a great resume with 32 wins, 20 by knockout, and only one loss.

“Crolla, who has captured the WBO Inter Continental belt, brings a record of 29 victories and 11 KOs against four defeats but the real story here is the fact that he was told last year he may never fight again.

“Anthony was attacked by burglars last December and suffered a fractured skull and broken ankle. It’s a miracle and proof of his fierce dedication that he’s back in the ring at all, let alone this year.

“The other World championship features 26 year old Scott Quigg of Bury defending his WBA Super Bantamweight belt against former champ, Kiko Martinez of Spain. Of course the drama here is that Quigg is destined to hopefully face undefeated rival, IBF champion, Carl Frampton in the future so he must be careful with the hard punching ‘La Sensacion’ Martinez, who was twice defeated by Frampton.

“Quigg must remain focused and not get overly aggressive trying to impress his always raucous and loyal Manchester Arena fans. A victory for Quigg will fan the flames of hope for that battle of the unbeaten, which is the superfight many want to see happen.”

Quigg and Crolla’s World title fights top a massive night of action in Manchester.

There’s a pair of tasty British title fights on the bill as exciting Stourbridge hitter Sam Eggington faces former Prizefighter champion Glenn Foot for the vacant Welterweight title and another Prizefighter winner, unbeaten Welshman Chris Jenkins, meets Huddersfield’s Tyrone Nurse for the vacant Light Welterweight strap.

Heavyweight hero Anthony Joshua MBE fights for the 14th time in the paid ranks and there are spots on the bumper bill for Marcus Morrison, Liam Taylor and Jack Massey.

Tickets are on sale priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 through www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIP’s are available exclusively through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £300.