Thankfully there’s no need to build a fight with trash talk when it’s a true 50/50 match and that’s what we have on This weekend at the Manchester Arena, when two of Boxing’s nice guys clash in a true make or break matchup.
Scotlands former three weight world champion Ricky Burns goes head to head with Manchester hero in the ring and out, former lightweight world champion Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla.
Both fighters have incredible stories. Who would have thought that Burns, who lost to fellow Scot Alex Arthur and England’s Carl Johannson early in his career, would go on to be his nations only three weight world champion? Or Crolla would capture a World title after being demolished by Derry Mathews in a crushing loss then facing life threatening injuries in a dreadful attack by burglars outside his home in Manchester.
This indeed is a crossroads fight nearing the end of the road for both men but is still a fascinating clash as both look for one more crack at World honours, whereas the loser may have to contemplate his boxing future.
Burns moves back down to lightweight where he had so much success before being derailed by the fabulous Terence Crawford in March 2014, and Crolla lost his title he won on a glorious night in Manchester stopping Darleys Perez before running into the excellent Jorge Linares last year.
It promises to be all smiles and handshakes on the run up as the polite and likeable duo show what this noble art is really all about before going to battle in the ring with their hearts on their sleeves in a wonderful domestic dust up that will not disappoint.
We can expect 12 tremendously hard fought rounds with all the excitement and drama these gallant pair can provide, fighting with every ounce of strength they have, knowing that a loss could potentially signal the end of a career and a win provide one more chance at glory, in what has the makings of a British boxing classic.
The result is certainly no formality and I see a hard fought close contest but my pick is for Ricky Burns to show his usual Scottish grit and pull out another fine win.