At today’s weigh-in in advance of Saturday’s championship fight between WBA World lightweight champion Anthony Crolla (31-4-3, 13 KOs), the Cinderella Man from Manchester, England, and his challenger, Jorge Linares (40-3, 27 KOs), fighting out of Tokyo, Japan, by way of Venezuela, both fighters easily made weight.

The challenger weighed 134.2 pounds. The champion tipped the scales at 134.5.

At the weigh-in Crolla said, “Linares is a great fighter. He is technically a brilliant boxer that everyone likes to watch. He likes to fight at his own pace, which is something I need to prevent. I intend to capitalize on his weaknesses and I’m confident I can do it. Linares counters very well, so I know I cannot sleep. I genuinely feel I have the answer to everything he wants to bring.”

Linares intends to bring what he brought to the 40 men he has defeated. Linares loves boxing. He also loves a good fight.

“I’m excited to be here,” he said, “and believe it or not I feel at home here in front of the hosting fans. The love and respect they have shown me is admirable. It will be a special night, a war, and we are ready for that.”

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.