Last night, at the Manchester Arena, Anthony Crolla lost his WBA lightweight title to Jorge Linares.
Ahead of the fight it had been suggested that Crolla, making his second defence of the title, would be facing his toughest opponent yet.
That proved to be the case with Linares showing that although he doesn?t possess a devastating punch, his boxing skills are of the highest level.
As it turned out Crolla lost his belt to a points? decision with the three judges scoring it as follows:
? 115 ? 114 (in favour of Linares)
? 115 ? 113 (in favour of Linares)
? 117 ? 111 (in favour of Linares)
Although Crolla exerted constant pressure, it was the skills of Linares that obviously caught the eyes of the three judges.
Talking about the fight afterwards, Crolla had this to say,
‘I am deeply disappointed. I have no complaints, but I am sorry I couldn’t do it for this crowd.
‘He’s the best man I’ve ever been in a ring with, he’s very fast and sharp and it was a pleasure to be in there with him.
‘I gave it everything, it wasn’t through a lack of trying, the difference was I took one or two hard counter-shots, which I was warned about by my team, and I paid the price.
‘I am gutted, it’s heart-breaking to lose the belt, but I will come back from this.’
Indeed Anthony will, he has the skills, the mind-set and the desire to do so.
Crolla Loses World Title to Linares
