Anthony Crolla vs Jorge Linares 2

This was the best fight last year between 2 quality fighters at their very best.

Anthony Crolla vs Jorge Linares WBA rematch agreed for March in Manchester.

Anthony Crolla's rematch with WBA lightweight world champion Jorge Linares will take place at Manchester Arena on 25 March.

Crolla, 30, lost his belt to Venezuelan Linares, 31, on points in a gruelling bout at the same venue in September.

It was the Manchester fighter's second defence of the title he won by beating Darleys Perez in November 2015.

"I see Jorge as the best lightweight in the world and I want to be the best lightweight in the world," said Crolla.

"I came up short on the night against the better man - with improvements, I believe I can change the result this time around.

"The better the opponent, the better I will perform. I'm improving still as a fighter and athlete despite turning 30 recently.

"I want to be remembered as someone who took on the best around and be mentioned in the same breath as them."

After a controversial draw with Perez in July 2015, Crolla knocked out the Colombian four months later to claim the WBA title, before stopping Ismael Barroso in his first defence in May 2016.

But he failed to make his power tell against the quick and skilful Linares, who immediately offered Crolla a rematch after extending his overall record to 41 wins and three losses.

"I am really excited to be going back to Manchester," said Linares. "I was treated very well by everyone and gained a lot of new British fans.

"Crolla is a tremendous fighter with a lot of heart so I know I must train twice as hard for another tough fight.

"I promise another great performance and assure that the belts are returning home with me."

Anthony Crolla vs Jorge Linares WBA rematch agreed for March in Manchester - BBC Sport

I remember thinking the ref kind of ruined Linares body work early and mid way and it would have been more emphatic a win if not for. Much as Crolla may have improved I don't see why he wouldn't have been in his best form for that one. Also the first time Linares had ever gone 12 I believe and he finished strong, probably more to take from that for him. Still, the guy is chinny so anything can happen, plus there isn't much out there at lightweight these days.

Really torn on this one. The unrepentant patriot in me is siding with Crolla, but the sensible side of me says Linares gets the job done again. Linares is a class act and totally deserved it, but to hear some people it was a one sided mismatch. Crolla and Gallacher took a lot of stick for not having a plan B but I think that's kind of a moot point. Theres nothing Crolla can match Linares with other than intensity and bashing up the body. Their only game plan was the right one.

It looked like it was starting to pay off for Crolla around the 5th 6th rounds, Linares was starting to mark up, had the cut, Crolla was breaking the initial jab and doing some decent work. I remember thinking at the time it could be another Barroso, possibly a bit harsh on Linares and a bit high on Crolla at the same time.

The end of the 6th round pulled the rug from underneath Crolla for me. All the good work he'd done was cancelled out in a flash and he was on the thin end of the wedge from there on out. Linares grew, Crolla failed to get going again.

I hope Im wrong, I hope Crolla takes it. I cant help feeling though that this has a touch of the Michael Brodie In Jin Chi 2 about it with one guy able to dig down a second time, and one not. Stick a gun to my head and I'd have to go with Linares by UD, possibly late stoppage.

It was a top class fight and I expect the same.

Crolla's fitness and desire v Linares experience and quality.

Linares had a year out after the Kevin Mitchell fight and the rest did him good because he has had a hard career. I hope he wins again because the ref was totally bias.

Crollan beat up another world champ at the weight who is also British. ;)