Box clever with ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla

Tuesday 26 July 2016

World lightweight champion Anthony Crolla will return to the scene of his “utterly memorable” night in June when he will be guest of honour at BoxInBusiness’ next white collar event at the RJA&HS.

‘Million Dollar’ Crolla will be on the top table for BoxIn Business’ next show on October 8, entitled “Don’t Call It A Comeback.”

The white collar boxing event, now in its eighth year, will involve 10 bouts, all involving fighters who have already stepped through the ropes. 

BoxInBusiness’ Ben Murray, a former amateur star, who trains the boxers, said: “We have been going for eight years, but as an unwritten rule we have never had anyone come back into the ring. This time it is different as all ten bouts, 20 fighters, will already have taken part in white collar boxing.

“We did it because so many of the boxers have stayed fit, stayed in trim and they were desperate to do it again. I couldn’t keep saying no! I had 35 people wanting to do it again, so I’ve said we will do 20 this time and then get the rest involved sometime next year. 

“It’s fantastic that so many people are so keen to do it again. I’m amazed. I think it’s great that they have retained their enthusiasm and dedication so much, but as the title of the evening says, just don’t call it a comeback!”

Lightweight champion Crolla, who takes on Jorge Linares on September 24 in the second defence of his WBA lightweight title in Manchester, will be back on the Island following his appearance as guest of honour at the last white collar show in June. 

Crolla said: “Last time round was an utterly memorable night and one of the best I’ve ever had in my time in boxing. I can’t wait to come back and see a lot of new friends and some old ones.”

Ben Murray and Crolla go back a long way as the pair met in the 2005 Amateur Boxing Association quarter-finals in Liverpool, which the latter edged on points on his way to winning the title.

Mr Murray said: “It was incredible to have Anthony over here in June and to be honest, we didn’t even have to think twice about inviting him again because he made such a fantastic impression. He is a credit to the sport, both in and out of the ring. Everyone I have spoken to in boxing told me Anthony was one of the nicest people you could meet and they were right. We chatted for ages about boxing in June and when he got the invite from us he was delighted to come back again.”

In October’s show there will also be a mini-competition along the same lines as TV’s Prizefighter, with four boxers battling it out in a semi-final and then final format.

“The two semi-final winners will meet in the final for a contest we are calling ‘The Real Contender,’” said Mr Murray. 

“All the boxers will all start training on August 2 for ten weeks and one of them will be Cameron Purcell, who took part in our first show eight years ago. I’m amazed how many have stayed really fit and Cameron is a great example of that. He can’t wait for October 8 and neither can I.

“It will be an honour to have Anthony Crolla back and it all makes for a brilliant evening.”  

There are only a few tickets left for the show and details can be found by e-mailing here