Crolla V Watson Feb 12th

Anthony Crolla has been handed a shock British title shot – but will have to step up to lightweight to get it.

The English super-featherweight champion will take on John Watson for the vacant Lonsdale belt on February 12 after being drafted in as a late replacement for Gavin Rees.

Champion Rees had to pull out of the clash at the Liverpool Olympia after suffering a nose injury in sparring.

Crolla was due to take on Carl Johanneson in a final eliminator for the British super-featherweight crown later in the month but will abandon those plans to face Watson.

“It was too good an opportunity to turn down,” said the 24-year-old from New Moston.

“It’s been my dream ever since I was a kid to win the Lonsdale belt. I think it’s the most beautiful belt in boxing.

“It is definitely a risk. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and I’ve only got two weeks’ notice but I’m the type of fighter who is always in the gym, so I’m always ready for opportunities like this.”

Crolla’s chance has come out of the blue.

‘Million Dollar’ has been desperate to get back in the ring with super-featherweight champion Gary Sykes, who he lost to in an eliminator in 2009.

Since then he has stopped Michael Brodie and Andy Morris to move within touching distance of rematch with Sykes.

Former British champion Johanneson represented the final obstacle in what has been a daunting run of opponents put in his way before being handed that long-awaited shot at the Lonsdale belt.

“It’s strange,” said Crolla. “I’ve had to fight just about everyone at super-featherweight and still not got a title shot and now this one has come out of the blue.

“The one thing people have noticed about me is my extra power in recent fights but I am confident I can step up a weight and still keep it.

“I was an ABA lightweight champion and I’m used to sparring with John Murray, who is the best lightweight in Europe. I didn’t think twice about taking it.”

Crolla’s trainer Joe Gallagher added: “He was preparing for Carl Johanneson but when this opportunity came up, it would have been silly to turn it down.

“John Watson will be a big favourite and he’s having to step into the lion’s den in fighting in Liverpool but everyone has been so impressed with the way Anthony has come on.

“I am confident in his ability to be the next British lightweight champion.

“He is an old school fighter in a new era. He lives and breathes boxing. He is always in perfect condition and ready to fight – and this is just reward for that commitment.

 

Boxers are prize fighters and the risk has to be worth the reward Anthony has always wanted to fight fot the Lonsdale belt he does well when sparring John Murray he won ABA at lightweight. I would not put Anthony in if not think he can win we have studied John Watson and are confident of winning this fight .