Anthony Crolla’s home advantage doesn’t scare Jorge Linares as road warrior looks to dethrone champ
Venezuelan star has already beaten Kevin Mitchell in London and isn't worried about baying fans at Manchester Arena
FIGHTING in Anthony Crolla’s backyard holds no fear for Jorge Linares — because he is so used to being a road warrior.
Linares, 31, faces the WBA world lightweight champ at the Manchester Arena tomorrow night knowing a hostile reception awaits.
But the Las Vegas-based Venezuelan is not fazed by another away day having boxed in Japan, America and Mexico.
And Linares has vowed to defeat home hero Crolla — just as he did last year against Kevin Mitchell at London’s O2 Arena.
He said: “I'm very comfortable. If it was down to me, I'd want all of Manchester there because that motivates me.
"All his fans, all his people are going to be there, so there's a lot of pressure on him. What I need to do is cut the head off and quieten his fans.
"I've fought all over the world. Every time I fight in Japan or Venezuela, there's actually more pressure on me. Fighting here motivates me. I'm ready for it.
"Just like I won over the fans in London when I beat Mitchell, I'm going to win over the fans in Manchester."
Crolla, 29, insists Linares, who holds the WBC Diamond title, can forget about leaving Manchester with his WBA belt.
He said: “The support I get from around the city and all over Britain is amazing. I’m a proud, proud Mancunian and I want to make everyone proud.
“I’ve got massive respect for Linares and his team. But please never ever get that mistaken for me having too much respect once that bell goes.
“I’m making sure those belts stay in Manchester.”
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