Wednesday 24 August 2016 17:13, UK
Anthony Crolla is determined to put a lasting stamp on his boxing legacy by defeating Jorge Linares on September 24.
WBA world lightweight champion Crolla (31-4-3-KO13) will take on WBC 'Diamond' champion Linares at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports.
Also on the line will be the Ring Magazine lightweight crown, which became vacant when Terrance Crawford moved up to light welterweight in April 2015.
Only four other boxers are currently acknowledged by The Ring Magazine as lineal world champions - Tyson Fury (heavyweight), Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (middleweight), Crawford (light welterweight) and Roman Gonzalez (flyweight) - and Crolla is determined to add his name to that list.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Crolla said: "I am fighting a great fighter for one of the greatest prizes in the sport. I am very blessed and thankful to have this opportunity but it doesn't stop there. I want go out now and make sure I win.
"I feel that we have got the two best lightweights in the division and I think The Ring have recognised that by putting that prestigious belt on the line.
"Not many British boxers get to fight for it so it is an honour, but it would be so much better to win it."
Crolla captured the WBA title in November 2015 by stopping Darleys Perez, and was back at the Manchester Arena in May when he weathered an early storm from Ismael Barroso before stopping him in the seventh round.
Linares (40-3-KO27) is best known to British fans for stopping Kevin Mitchell in the tenth round of their WBC title fight in May 2015.
Crolla believes his unification fight with Linares will be a contender for fight of the year and hinted it could be the beginning of a trilogy between the pair.
"If you look at both of our past few fights, they have both been really exciting fight-of-the-year candidates," Crolla said.
"I think it can't fail but to be a good fight. If we put on a great fight, it wouldn't surprise me if we have a few fights down the line.
"But I'm looking past no one. Jorge Linares is all I've been watching since the fight has been made and that is all I will be doing for the next four and a half weeks.
"He is a great fighter but I believe I have seen a few weaknesses of his that I can take advantage of on the night and make sure I win those beautiful belts."
Linares, a three-weight world champion at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight, has only boxed once since stopping Mitchell, winning in four rounds against Ivan Cano in October.
Mitchell floored Linares during the fifth round of their bout, but the Venezuelan got up to win by stoppage and Crolla admits he was impressed by that performance.
Crolla said: "He's a very, very durable, very tough fighter. He pulled himself up off the canvas against Mitchell and that is what champions do.
"When the chips were down he came from behind. Kevin was a matter of seconds away from winning that fight.
"So massive credit goes to him for that night but I saw strengths and I saw weaknesses. That is what I am working now in my camp.
"I know I will need a career-best performance on September 24 but it is one that I think I can do."
