Anthony Crolla is ready to enter a dogfight with Darleys Perez in their WBA world lightweight title rematch in Manchester.
Crolla was denied a world belt when his first clash with Perez was declared a draw in July - the decision also robbing the Manchester fighter an emotional win in the wake of him sustaining serious injuries while trying to detain a burglar earlier in the year.
The 29-year-old admits that he found it hard to watch repeats of his first bout with Perez, but is now ready to try and put the record straight.
"I didn't watch the fight for a few months," Crolla said.
"It was a bit gutting watching it back because I found it hard to see that I had not won the fight. But I have watched it back since with (trainer) Joe (Gallagher) over the last few weeks, time and time again, looking at what to work on for the fight to get the title this time. Every time I watch it, it doesn't get any easier. I still think I won it, but I can make it right on Saturday.
"People say it was a career-best performance. It might have been, but I have improved since then. In the last fight there were times that I out boxed him, times I hurt him, and that gives me huge confidence.
"I am sure he's going to start fast and try to impose himself on me, to try to show that it wasn't him at his best last time and I look forward to answering the questions that he is going to ask me."
Crolla was stunned by the initial decision in July, especially as Perez had two points deducted for low blows, but is ready to turn up the power to eradicate doubt this time around.
"This time I feel the fight will be more explosive, with more exchanges and could end up being a bit of a dogfight at times. It'll be entertaining for the fans and viewers at home," he added.
Source: PA
