A Million Dollar Journey

On Saturday night, two brothers will take centre stage and create a little bit of boxing history on the Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood 2 undercard.

Both will enter the ring together to continue a fighting name that has captured World honours. William Crolla will make his professional debut alongside his brother and coach; the former WBA Lightweight World champion, Anthony Crolla!

Known for his incredible career, Anthony Crolla experienced the highs and lows of boxing and finally captured World honours in 2015, at the Manchester Arena, with a 5th round knockout of Darleys Perez. After this, Anthony defeated Ismael Barroso with another body shot knockout. A win that has aged very well after Barroso’s controversial loss to Rolando Romero for the WBA Super-Lightweight two weeks ago.

After an incredibly successful career, Anthony began coaching amateur boxers but now has begun forming a very talented stable including Levi Kinsiona, James Moorcroft, Sahir Iqbal, and has most recently picked up his first title as a coach with Rhiannon Dixon winning the Commonwealth Lightweight title in March.

“It’s something I could always see myself doing, but I planned on just staying with the amateurs and (then) ended up with a little stable of fighters. I am in deep... and I don’t think I’ll ever get out of it! I love trying to help them achieve what they can and get the very best out of them.” - Anthony Crolla talking to International Boxing News.

Amongst his stable of fighters is younger brother William Crolla. Both are particularly ecstatic about William’s debut but there is a resounding sense of happiness from William about the news. William explained that a couple of rough decisions in the amateurs and a hand injury caused him to become demotivated and walk away from boxing.

William became a qualified scaffolder to earn some money, but this didn’t fill the boxing shaped whole in his life. He was ‘waking up every morning thinking ‘I can do more than this’, knowing he could have his own nights at the Manchester Arena.

“I can’t wait! It’s a dream come true to make my debut at the arena. I’ve seen Anthony win his World title there, it’s the start of a big journey and plenty of my big night’s as well!” – William Crolla talking to International Boxing News.

Campaigning at Super-Welterweight, William hopes to bring excitement to the fans with his switch-hitting and heavy-handed style on Saturday night.

Anthony has praised William’s dedication since returning to boxing, losing 4 and ½ stone since his return to training the last few years. William is firing on all cylinders in his sparring sessions on the lead up to his debut!

The Crolla journey continues… LIVE on DAZN!