Linares vs Crolla: Lightweight rivals meet again at the top of packed Manchester bill live on Sky Sports

Jorge Linares edged out Anthony Crolla on points and they meet again in Manchester this Saturday, live on Sky Sports

Anthony Crolla will attempt to regain his WBA lightweight title in a rematch with Jorge Linares at the top of a packed Manchester bill.

The hometown favourite was beaten on points by Linares following an exciting battle last September and they will meet again at Manchester Arena this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

On a packed undercard, Brian Rose battles fellow Blackpool man Jack Arnfield, and Martin J Ward defends his British title against Maxi Hughes, while Katie Taylor, Marcus Morrison and debutant Lawrence Okolie are also in action.

Jorge Linares vs Anthony Crolla

Image: Crolla will be targeting three titles when he renews his rivalry with Linares

Revenge is firmly on the mind of Crolla, who is desperate to avenge his close-fought defeat to Linares, with the WBA belt, WBC Diamond title, and Ring Magazine strap all at stake in the second fight.

During an exciting first encounter, Crolla was hurt in the sixth round after a costly defensive lapse, and Linares finished strongly to claim the verdict by a narrow margin on two of the three scorecards.

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But the Mancunian has vowed to make amends after sharpening his skills in late-night sparring sessions under the guidance of trainer Joe Gallagher.

Image: Tale of the Tape - Linares v Crolla II

Jack Arnfield vs Brian Rose

Image: Jack Arnfield (right) holds a win over John Ryder

Local pride will be at stake when Arnfield faces former gym-mate Rose, who cannot afford another defeat at this stage of his career.

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Rose fought for a world title in 2014, suffering a stoppage defeat to the excellent American Demetrius Andrade, and needs victory over Arnfield to keep his lingering title ambitions alive.

Image: Rose could be forced to consider his future if he suffers defeat

But Arnfield will be seeking another big-name scalp after defeating John Ryder last year and can earn bragging rights with victory over Rose.

Katie Taylor vs Milena Koleva

Image: Taylor has made a smooth transition to the professional ranks

Taylor maintains the busy start to her professional career as she seeks her fourth successive victory against Milena Koleva.

Ireland's former amateur star produced a punch perfect display earlier this month, stopping Monica Gentili in the fifth round at The O2.

Katie Taylor set her sights on a world title after stopping Monica Gentili

Her Bulgarian opponent was halted in the ninth round by IBF super-featherweight champion Maiva Hamadouche and Taylor will send out a warning if she stops Koleva in a quicker time.

Marcus Morrison vs Jason Welborn

Image: Marcus Morrison is one of the rising middleweight contenders

Morrison is one of the hottest talents in British boxing and can continue his rise up the middleweight rankings with victory over the experienced Welborn.

The unbeaten 24-year-old will be targeting another explosive performance after demonstrating his punch power with 10 knockouts in 14 victories.

But Welborn has traded punches with the likes of Liam Smith and Matthew Macklin, and should supply a stern test to the exciting prospect.

Martin J Ward vs Maxi Hughes

Image: Martin J Ward and Maxi Hughes will meet for a third time in Manchester

Ward shares the ring with Hughes for a third time as both men try to bring an emphatic end to their long-running rivalry.

The super-featherweights battled to a majority draw in 2014, with Ward recovering from a second-round knockdown, while the Essex man claimed a fifth round stoppage win in the rematch after Hughes retired with a badly damaged nose.

But Hughes responded with three victories to earn a shot at Ward's British title and they are expected to produce another dramatic clash.

Watch Anthony Crolla's rematch with Jorge Linares and a packed Manchester bill from 7pm on Sky Sports 1.

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