Crolla v Burns: Home favourite can win in battle of Britain

England’s Anthony Crolla clashes with Scotland’s Ricky Burns on Saturday night in a proper battle of Britain.

The fight – taking place at the Manchester arena – could provide the winner with a huge career boost. On the flipside, a loss for either camp could mean potential retirement.

Both Crolla (4/9) and Burns (7/4) are lacing up the gloves off the back of two big defeats.

The former losing to WBA king Jorge Linares, and the latter coming up short against Julius Indongo.

Neither fighter can afford another loss now at this stage of their career.

At 30-years-old, Crolla certainly has age on his side. But a duo of defeats to the elite-level Linares, coupled with another defeat to Burns, could put paid to any more big-time bouts.

At 34-years-old, Burns has obviously more miles on the clock. The Glaswegian – hailing from Coatbridge – has been in a number of huge wars over the years.

He will also need to trim down to 135lbs again. Weight-cuts like that in your mid-thirties can have a really detrimental effect.

However, the Scottish fighter is the naturally bigger man. He’ll possess a three-inch reach advantage, as well as an inch and a half in height.

But Crolla will have ‘home’ advantage, and that can’t be understated. Although a number will travel down over the border, the majority in attendance will be partisan Mancs.

‘Million Dollar’ has arguably shown he can compete at a higher level, too, having gone toe-to-toe with Linares in their first bout.

The winner of this bout will face another potentially huge clash with Luke Campbell. There is so much at stake on Saturday night.

We can see this one going the distance. Both Crolla and Burns aren’t exactly known for their knockout power.

Crolla has KO’d 13 of his 31 wins, while Burns has stopped just 14 of 41.

Between the home crowd, the age difference, and the level at which both have fought at, we’re giving Crolla the edge.

Back the Englishman to overcome the Scot on points at even-money and count your winnings at the end of the night.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing