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Anthony Crolla has been handed a shock British title shot – but will have to step up to lightweight to get it.

The English super-featherweight champion will take on John Watson for the vacant Lonsdale belt on February 12 after being drafted in as a late replacement for Gavin Rees.

Champion Rees had to pull out of the clash at the Liverpool Olympia after suffering a nose injury in sparring.

Crolla was due to take on Carl Johanneson in a final eliminator for the British super-featherweight crown later in the month but will abandon those plans to face Watson.

“It was too good an opportunity to turn down,” said the 24-year-old from New Moston.

“It’s been my dream ever since I was a kid to win the Lonsdale belt. I think it’s the most beautiful belt in boxing.

“It is definitely a risk. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and I’ve only got two weeks’ notice but I’m the type of fighter who is always in the gym, so I’m always ready for opportunities like this.”

Crolla’s chance has come out of the blue.

‘Million Dollar’ has been desperate to get back in the ring with super-featherweight champion Gary Sykes, who he lost to in an eliminator in 2009.

Since then he has stopped Michael Brodie and Andy Morris to move within touching distance of rematch with Sykes.

Former British champion Johanneson represented the final obstacle in what has been a daunting run of opponents put in his way before being handed that long-awaited shot at the Lonsdale belt.

“It’s strange,” said Crolla. “I’ve had to fight just about everyone at super-featherweight and still not got a title shot and now this one has come out of the blue.

“The one thing people have noticed about me is my extra power in recent fights but I am confident I can step up a weight and still keep it.

“I was an ABA lightweight champion and I’m used to sparring with John Murray, who is the best lightweight in Europe. I didn’t think twice about taking it.”

Crolla’s trainer Joe Gallagher added: “He was preparing for Carl Johanneson but when this opportunity came up, it would have been silly to turn it down.

“John Watson will be a big favourite and he’s having to step into the lion’s den in fighting in Liverpool but everyone has been so impressed with the way Anthony has come on.

“I am confident in his ability to be the next British lightweight champion.

“He is an old school fighter in a new era. He lives and breathes boxing. He is always in perfect condition and ready to fight – and this is just reward for that commitment.

Best of Luck to him, fighting 2 weeks notice fair played to him

Good luck Anthony.

Nice kid & well deserved with his current form

My colours are firmly with Watson but I do like Crolla.

Could be a cracking fight this.

Go on Crolla lad!

My favourite uk boxer, love his commitment. Soaked up loads against Morris and brushed it off. I like Watson too, but I think Crolla with a late stoppage for this one!

Good luck to both of em!

In an interview with Hatton TV, Anthony Crolla says it took him only about ten seconds of being asked the question to decide he wanted to fight John Watson
http://www.brandhatton.com/VideoNews/16 ... hance.aspx

Good luck Anthony, hope the step up in weight works out well. Come on Joe, keep the run going and bring the title back to Manchester.

Joe, Watto's gonna take your 0

Good luck Anthony...should be a decent scrap

idle talk wrote:Joe, Watto's gonna take your 0

big crolla fan but ill be shouting for watson

Fair play to Crolla, but would have rather seen Gethin get this fight, he's a full lightweight, plus is the English champ, and his first fight with watson was a bit controversial and very close. Think he's waiting on a back operation though.

Crolla is such a good fighter you look at his record and he surely deserves a shot at his own weight. Fair play to him taking this fight hope he wins it and adds another name to a domestically packed LW division

This should be a great fight. I've boxed both lads, & they are both classy fighters as well ad gentlemen. I'll be honest and say I though john was a bit classier, but there really is a fag paper between em! I'll be wishing them both all the best, may the best man win!

WIll be sticking up for Crolla, he's got nothing to lose really. If he loses it's outside of his usual weight and he can drop back down to SUper-Feather. If he wins it's a reward for his hard work. I like Watson, he showed great heart vs Rees and it will be a great scrap either way.