Majestic Jorge Linares defeats lionheart Anthony Crolla to retain WBA lightweight title
Venezuelan retains his title with a unanimous points decision against big-hearted Briton
Venezuela’s Jorge Linares retained his WBA lightweight title on Saturday on a unanimous points decision against big-hearted Anthony Crolla of Britain.
Linares had Crolla on the canvas in the seventh round but the British fighter showed great determination and grit to last the 12-round distance.
The Venezuelan had also beaten 30-year-old Crolla in September and now has a record of 42 wins against just three losses.
“Jorge Linares is a great fighter and a great champion,” Crolla said of an opponent who has not lost for five years.
Linares hailed his opponent.
“I want to tell everyone in Manchester, Anthony Crolla has some big balls. He had a lot of heart and that’s why he made it to the 12th round with me,” said the Venezuelan.