Monday 7 August 2017 12:23, UK
Anthony Crolla and Ricky Burns are putting their careers on the line when they meet in a must-win British lightweight battle on October 7, live on Sky Sports.
The former world champions have agreed to a high-stakes clash at the Manchester Arena, with the winner keeping alive his hopes of another major title fight, while the loser could be forced to consider his future in the sport.
Crolla fulfilled his world title dream by stopping Darleys Perez to claim the WBA lightweight belt in 2015, but he was unable to regain the title in a courageous rematch defeat to Jorge Linares in March and cannot afford another setback.
The Mancunian said: "All I want to do is be involved in big fights and Ricky Burns is a three weight world champion. I've got a lot of respect for him. He's a great fighter and only lost to the very best.
"I'm looking forward to going to battle and putting on a display for the fans. Camp started a few weeks ago and I'm in a good place.
I'm not going to say the loser has nowhere to go, but it's going to be a tough road back.
"It's at a good time for both of us. A win puts us back in the mix for titles. I'm not going to say the loser has nowhere to go, but it's going to be a tough road back. We're both coming off losing our world titles and the incentive is to win the fight and get back in the frame."
Burns created Scottish boxing history last May when he defeated Michele Di Rocco in Glasgow to land the WBA world super-lightweight title and become the country's first ever three-weight champion.
The Coatbridge man is keen to finally share the ring with Crolla after being continually linked with 'Million Dollar' and victory would put the 34-year-old firmly back on track after losing his title in an April points defeat to Julius Indongo.
"It's going to be a great fight," said Burns. "There was a lot of talk in recent weeks, the response we got was unbelievable. People want to see it and now the deal is done I'm looking forward to it.
When I held world titles at super-featherweight and lightweight, Crolla's name was always mentioned but it never happened.
"It doesn't bother me where I fight, there will be a good crowd coming down from Scotland. It's a fight the fans have been getting up for and I'm sure they will turn up in their numbers.
"When I held world titles at super-featherweight and lightweight, Crolla's name was always mentioned but it never happened.
"He's a great guy and a great fighter, I don't think you'll get much trash talk in the build-up. The best man will win on the night."
