How the bookies are calling Anthony Crolla v Jorge Linares II
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The highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares is set to take place this Saturday night with the former aiming to regain his WBA world lightweight title at The Manchester Arena.
Jorge ‘The Golden Boy’ Linares (41-3, 27KO) took the original fight courtesy of a unanimous points decision and heads into this sequel as the 1/2 favourite to follow-up against Anthony ‘Million Dolla’ Crolla (31-5-3,13KO).
Our odds-compilers had Crolla down as the jolly in the original contest but on this occasion it looks like they’re not prepared to take any chances.
Here’s how our Boxing trader Adam Williamson is calling the second installment…
Ladbrokes News: We’re all looking forward to part II. But will we see anything different?
Adam Williamson: It should be another terrific tussle between these two. Both are excellent pocket fighters, and have shown tremendous heart and resolve in their fights down the years.
Unfortunately for Crolla, Linares is just slightly better in almost every department. Linares carries more power and speed, and going 12 rounds for the first time in his 45 career fights last time out shows his fitness and durability is still there at 31-years-old.
LN: Come on, give the home fighter and his fans something to cling to…
AW: Well, that said, Crolla’s engine is also fantastic and he has such variety and accuracy in his work. He’s a pleasure to watch. It’s hard to see him pushing back Linares enough over 12 rounds to get a decision though.
He’ll need a cut or a flash knockdown to knock Linares out of his rhythm, and even then we’ve seen countless times down the years the spirit Linares shows when the chips are down.
Coming back from a fifth round knockdown to win against Kevin Mitchell, and going out on his sword, his face a bloody mess in a brilliant fight against Antonio DeMarco in 2011 are two such examples.
LN: Not a glowing assessment! If you’re so sweet on Linares, what are your best bets for the big fight?
AW: Despite his supreme fitness, Crolla is a little one dimensional, I’m not sure he has a plan B. Given plan A didn’t work in their first fight I’d expect a similar result this time.
A late stoppage for Linares is a touch of value, and Linares Rounds 7-12 @ 5/1 looks like a bet.
For anyone thinking Crolla will cause a few problems in front of a passionate home crowd, Linares to win after being knocked down @ 7/1 could be the one. Linares to win by majority decision @ 16/1 should also give you a good run for your money.
So there we have it. Lump on Linares is the message we’re hearing.
But how do you see this dust-up going?
Click here for the latest Anthony Crolla v Jorge Linares II odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
