Crolla vs Linares: Jorge Linares vows to shine in Manchester

Three-weight world champion Jorge Linares is primed for "the most important" fight of his career against Anthony Crolla.

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The Venezuelan takes on WBA world lightweight champion Crolla in Manchester on Saturday night - live on Sky Sports - with The Ring magazine title also on the line.

'El Nino de Oro' ('The Golden Boy') has fought in Japan, America and Mexico and was last seen on British shores when destroying Kevin Mitchell's world title dream in May 2015, but says facing 'Million Dollar' in front of a boisterous Manchester Arena crowd will trump his last trip to the UK.

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Dressed in a military shirt and sunglasses, the WBC 'Diamond' champion Linares said at the final press conference: "We are ready and come Saturday night - we are taking all of the belts.

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"Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. This is the most important fight of my career."

Crolla was typically respectful of his opponent but his trainer, Joe Gallagher, was in bullish mood and forecasted a very different outcome.

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Addressing Linares' promoter, Roberto Diaz, Gallagher said: "Have a good look at the WBC belt as it will be going on Saturday night.

"The atmosphere is different up here. Boxing unites a city split by City and United. All will be behind Anthony."

Watch Crolla v Linares live on Sky Sports 2 from 7.30pm this Saturday

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