Anthony Crolla vs Jorge Linares 2

[p4pking]

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.

[Memphis]

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.

[Master]

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.