Crolla prepares for his final bout Saturday

Former world champion Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla is preparing for his last match Saturday in the ring and was reflective talking about the ride. In an interview with Boxingscene.com, Crolla relayed to them the ride he has had fighting in the ring.

“I’ve sat here in the upper tiers as a young lad and have to pinch myself sometimes,” Crolla, who will make the walk inside the Manchester Arena for the last time against Frank Urquiaga, stated. “I enjoy the pressure because there is so many other fighters who would love to be in the position of headlining at the Arena, this place means so much to me.”

One of the biggest thrills Crolla had in stepping into the ring starts at the very beginning, walking into it.

“The ring walk is one of my favourite things about being a fighter and the reception that they give me in Manchester every time I walk out is amazing,” Crolla insisted  ahead of what could be the 35th and closing win of his career.In the ring he has taken on everyone ranging from Liverpool’s Derry Mathews to even taking on Ukrainian pound for pound star Vasiliy Lomachenko.

“I will miss walking out in this Arena, no matter what event I come to see at the Arena, all I see is a boxing ring in the middle of it.”

Crolla is fighting in the co-main event which will lead into the Katie Taylor title bout taking on Christina Linardatou. That card can be seen live on the streaming service DAZN starting at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday.

“I don’t know much about Urquiaga,” says the 32-year-old Crolla .“But I know that he is capable, he lost on points when he fought for the European title but I believe I should be beating him. That’s what I will do, I will go out on a massive high and enjoy this last dance.
“I have never avoided anyone throughout my career and I’m going to have to be on it to get the win.”

The plan for Crolla, after the fight win, lose or draw, is to continue his education as a trainer and running his own amateur club Fox ABC.

“I know that this will be the last time that I make this ring walk but I can’t get emotional, I can in the hotel after the fight but on my way to the ring I’ve got to keep my head together and enjoy it,” Crolla said.

“I want to get out of boxing while I have taken more from boxing than boxing has taken from me and now I believe is that time.”

The goal in boxing as well as anything in life is to go out on your terms. Crolla after Saturday night will get to do just that.