Anthony Crolla has backed gym-mate Callum Smith to stop Rocky Fielding late when the pair clash for the vacant British Super Middleweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Crolla has been side-by-side with Smith through the Liverpool man’s camp as he prepares for his rematch with WBA World Lightweight champion Darleys Perez in Manchester on November 21, and ‘Million Dollar’ says while Fielding has improved, Smith is a World champion in the making.
“I believe it comes down to Callum being a level above him,” said Crolla. “That is what I feel. Some people might disagree with that, but I feel that come Saturday that is what will show. I believe that Callum is destined to be a World champion, I really do. I have seen in the gym, and I look at him, and I tell young amateur kids if there is one person to watch it is Callum Smith because of how technically correct he is. I believe Callum is a level above Rocky, and that is without meaning any disrespect to Rocky. I think Rocky is improving all the time, and he is a good fighter and he will come back after this to win titles, but I believe on Saturday, Callum will show he’s a level above Rocky.
“I think Rocky has gone under the radar a little bit, and he has learned his trade well. There is no doubting, and no denying, that he has improved fight-by-fight. I think Rocky is a very good fighter, but I believe, and no disrespect to Rocky in any way.
“I think there are a few major factors in how the fight will go. One is who establishes the jab better and first; that will play a huge part in it. Another factor will be who does the 12-round distance better. That is another thing I feel that Callum has in his favour because he has done it against better opponents. I know they will both be in the best shape of their career, but I do believe that little bit of experience for Callum, having been in with the better lads, will also come into play.
“Is very tricky to call if the fight will go to the distance. A lot of that will depend on how Rocky approaches the fight. If Rocky starts exchanging then probably not but if it becomes a bit of a chess match, then I think Callum will either get him late or on points.”
Smith’s clash with Fielding tops a massive night of boxing on Merseyside with the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt taking centre stage as Scotty Cardle defends his Lightweight title against local favourite Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd.
Ricky Burns can take a huge step towards reclaiming his WBO World Lightweight title when he faces Josh King for the Inter-Continental Lightweight title, Prizefighter champion Tom Doran meets Rod Smith in an eliminator for the British Middleweight title and unbeaten Lightweight talent Ohara Davies faces Chris Truman.
Limited tickets are sale now from the Echo Arena website www.echoarena.com and on 0844 8000 400 – priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150.
Tickets for November 7 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.
