Linares vs Crolla 2

[Master]

Linares vs Crolla: Lightweight rivals meet again at the top of packed Manchester bill live on Sky Sports

Anthony Crolla will attempt to regain his WBA lightweight title in a rematch with Jorge Linares at the top of a packed Manchester bill.

The hometown favourite was beaten on points by Linares following an exciting battle last September and they will meet again at Manchester Arena this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

On a packed undercard, Brian Rose battles fellow Blackpool man Jack Arnfield, and Martin J Ward defends his British title against Maxi Hughes, while Katie Taylor, Marcus Morrison and debutant Lawrence Okolie are also in action.

Revenge is firmly on the mind of Crolla, who is desperate to avenge his close-fought defeat to Linares, with the WBA belt, WBC Diamond title, and Ring Magazine strap all at stake in the second fight.

During an exciting first encounter, Crolla was hurt in the sixth round after a costly defensive lapse, and Linares finished strongly to claim the verdict by a narrow margin on two of the three scorecards.

But the Mancunian has vowed to make amends after sharpening his skills in late-night sparring sessions under the guidance of trainer Joe Gallagher.



http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news...-on-sky-sports

[Master]

[Master]

Jorge Linares v Anthony Crolla (WBA lightweight),

Martin Ward v Maxi Hughes (British super-featherweight),

Marcus Morrison v Jason Welborn (middleweight),

Katie Taylor v Milena Koleva (super-featherweight)

[Alpha]

I can see Crolla having moments of success but see Linares winning a clear decision.

[Fenster]

I thought this was a pretty pointless rematch (even though the first fight was a semi-cracker), however, Joe Gallagher has really piqued my interest from a betting perspective. He said - Linares has got the gloves he wanted this time, Grant punchers gloves, last time they had Everlast pillows. He thinks Linares gameplan is obvious, they really fancy the KO which he says he's drummed into Crolla the whole camp, which in-turn could make Linares even more vulnerable coming down the stretch (obviously it also sounds just like the typical Gallagher tactic of a cautious start).

Last time Crolla couldn't put a dent in Linares, but obviously Linares has the power, as he turned Crolla into a drunk, Crolla said he fought several rounds in a daze, however, the punchers gloves must benefit Crolla's chances of a chinnage too.

So what with Linares boat always cutting and blowing up and his constant hand troubles...

It's 5/4 for the fight to not go the distance.

Crolla is 5/1 for the KO. 15/2 for rounds 7-12. 40/1 (generally) per round from 9-12.

Linares 5/2 KO. Rds 1-6 - 7/1. 7-12 - 5/1.

Early thoughts. Hmm.. probably end up betting on the draw.

[Alpha]

I wouldn't be surprised if Linares KOs Crolla. Crolla has been on an excellent run but I don't think he's in Linares' class. If he can keep his paper thin skin together and avoid getting clipped I think Linares wins relatively easy.