Anthony Crolla v Jorge Linares: What TV channel is it on, what is the latest news and what are the latest odds for the big fight?

TWO worlds collide on Saturday night as Anthony Crolla defends his WBA World lightweight title against tough Venezuelan Jorge Linares at Manchester Arena.

Also up for grabs is the much coveted Ring Magazine title, that crowns the best fighter in the division. There is also a packed undercard featuring Conor Benn, son of ring legend Nigel Benn.

Where can I watch it?

Sky Sports 2 will be showing the fight, with the programme starting at 7.30pm with the undercard.

The ring walk is scheduled to be around 10.30pm for the Crolla vs Linares main bout. Commentary on the fight will also on BBC Radio 5 live from 10.30pm.

Boxing records

Anthony Crolla – Won 31 (13 KOs), Lost 4, Drawn 3.

Jorge Linares – Won 40, Lost 3.

Fight stats

Crolla is undefeated since October 2012, when he fell to a semi-final defeat in the Prizefighter tournament to Gary Sykes. He captured the WBA world lightweight title by defeating Darleys Perez with a KO after he had earlier drawn with the Colombian.

Linares will be well known to British boxing fans. He ended Kevin Mitchell’s hopes of a world title back in May 2015 with a 10th round stoppage for the WBC belt. He was forced to relinquish the belt in June this year through injury.

What they said

Known as the “nice guy” of boxing, it’s no surprise Crolla has been complimentary towards his opponent.

Crolla said: “Linares is a cool guy. I could go and have a pre-fight meal with my opponent — it doesn’t matter to me whatsoever.

“We both wished each other all the best for camp but our characters will switch once that bell goes.

Everyone says we’re so friendly we look like mates, but that’s how I’d rather it be.”

Meanwhile Linares, while not looking past Crolla, has his sights set on more British victims.

“Right now, my focus is Crolla,” said the 31 year old.

“If everything works out, why not come back to Manchester and fight [Terry] Flanagan as well? “You have to give both of them respect. We are all warriors and world champions.”

Flanagan is the current holder of the WBO belt.

Latest odds from SunBets

Anthony Crolla 4/7

Jorge Linares 6/4

Draw 22/1

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