Ex-world champions Englishman Anthony Crolla (31-6-3, 13 KOs) and Scotsman Ricky Burns (41-6-1, 14 KOs) will hold a match on October 7 in Manchester, the hometown of Anthony, in the lightweight division. Both Crolla and Burns lost their last fights, and a loss in the upcoming meeting could mean the end of the title prospects in their future.
"All I want to do is be involved in big fights and Ricky Burns is a three-weight world champion. I've got a lot of respect for him," Crolla said. "He's a great fighter and only lost to the very best. I'm looking forward to going to battle and putting on a display for the fans. Camp started a few weeks ago and I'm in a good place.
"It's at a good time for both of us. A win puts us back in the mix for titles. I'm not going to say the loser has nowhere to go, but it's going to be a tough road back. We're both coming off losing our world titles and the incentive is to win the fight and get back in the frame. I could have a tune-up fight on the undercard of somewhere and an easier opponent to get me back into things and then a big fight after but I'm not interested in that."
"It's going to be a great fight," Burns said. "People want to see it and now the deal is done I'm looking forward to it. It doesn't bother me where I fight. There will be a good crowd coming down from Scotland. It's a fight the fans have been getting up for and I'm sure they will turn up in their numbers. When I held world titles at (junior lightweight) and lightweight, Crolla's name was always mentioned but it never happened. He's a great guy and a great fighter. I don't think you'll get much trash talk in the build-up. The best man will win on the night.
"Crolla just fell short with Linares. Although he lost twice he didn't take a beating. It's a make or break fight for the both of us. Even before I fought Di Rocco I always said I just want to take it one fight at a time. I've been the same the whole way through my career but fingers crossed a win here can lead to bigger things. It's going to be hard, tough fight. The two of us will come out and go for it. The fans are the real winners."
