Venezuelan Jorge “Golden Boy” Linares (42-3, 27KO) retained his World Boxing Association Lightweight Title in a great battle against British Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla (31-6-3, 13KO). Undoubtedly, the spectacle in the ring this Saturday March 25th night was as expected and was validated by the public of the Manchester Arena with prolonged applause to both gladiators at the end of the fight.
The first two rounds of the battle were very even, the boxers outlined their strategies. Crolla trying to get Linares to look for him and Jorge walking the ring and counter attacking. Nevertheless, in the next two rounds they exchanged more blows and the left uppercut of the Venezuelan was more visible.
After the fifth chapter, “The Golden Boy” had his best moment. He was fast and accurate. This became more evident in round seven, when he did a good left upper cut to the chin that sent the English to the canvas, although the European managed the situation.
In the eighth round, Crolla came back with renewed strength and attacked the South American, who was in trouble at various times, although he could regain control of the fight with a good straight right.
Thus they went to the cards and the judges gave a unanimous decision in favor of Linares: 118-109, 118-109 and 118-109. Hence, Linares retained his 135-pound WBA belt.
