As the boxing season in Great Britain comes to a close, three of the nation's biggest fighters are preparing for the most notable bouts of their career as they look to make their mark on the world scene.
On Saturday night, the Manchester Arena will host Anthony Crolla's bid to win the WBA lightweight title from Darleys Perez, just eight months after suffering a fractured skull and broken ankle after confronting two burglars, while Scott Quigg is looking to make a statement in the super-bantamweight division when defending his WBA strap against former world champion Kiko Martinez. Before those two contests, heavyweight David Price will bid to become European champion against Erkan Teper in Germany on Friday night.
Below, Sports Mole takes a look at all three bouts, as well as attempting to predict who will prevail from each encounter.
1. Anthony Crolla vs. Darleys Perez
Late last year, it appeared as though Anthony Crolla's dream of competing for a world title in front of his home fans had been shattered after he suffered a fractured skull and a broken ankle after giving chase to burglars. But after coming through an extensive rehabilitation process and passing the necessary tests with the British Boxing Board of Control, the 28-year-old is now preparing to step into the ring with Darleys Perez, who has just one defeat on his professional record.
Regardless of the result on Saturday night, it's a victory in itself that Crolla has earned his opportunity to return to the ring on the biggest stage, but that's not enough for the former British champion, who has generally risen to the occasion in his most notable appearances on the domestic scene. Victories over Gavin Rees, Stephen Foster and John Murray have eased the disappointment of failing to overcome Derry Mathews on two occasions, but each of those five bouts have helped bolster Crolla's stock ahead of what could be a war against Perez.
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Crolla has acknowledged that he rates his opponent as the second-best lightweight in the world, behind WBC title holder Jorge Linares. The Colombian has only suffered one setback in his 33-fight career, which came on a close points decision to highly-rated Yuriorkis Gamboa, and his Olympic background is evidence that he is talented from a technical perspective. The odds are stacked up against Crolla, but the Brit believes that their two styles will gel in front of what is sure to be a partisan crowd in the North-West.
Despite the high level of media duties that he has had to fulfil since finding himself in the spotlight, Crolla has taken it all in his stride, and it could be argued that the pressure is off to some extent after what he has endured. However, come the first bell, expect Crolla, known as one of the nicest guys in boxing, to be business-like as he looks to cap a rollercoaster eight months with what would be one of the most notable fairytale triumphs in recent memory.
2. Scott Quigg vs. Kiko Martinez
At one stage, it appeared inevitable that this weekend would see Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton finally lock horns in a highly-anticipated unification battle, but after their camps failed to agree terms over the super fight, the duo will feature in separate matches either side of the pond. Over in Texas, Frampton makes his American debut after linking up with Al Haymon, while Manchester stages Quigg's showdown with Spain's Kiko Martinez.
Martinez has already suffered two competitive losses to Frampton, but that shouldn't take anything away from the task that lies in wait for Quigg. Promoter Eddie Hearn has acknowledged that Quigg probably wouldn't get much credit for a points success, despite his opponent being one of the best in the division, but rather than being intent on looking to make a statement, Quigg must not lose sight of what Martinez brings to the table, which is power, pressure and persistence.
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Frampton dealt with all three of Martinez's best attributes, but that's not to say it is a given that Quigg will too. The two Brits possess different styles, and we are yet to see Quigg in the ring with someone who poses the threat of Martinez. That said, ever since claiming the WBA crown, Quigg has been faultless, and his last triumph over Hidenori Otake showed that he has the durability to go with the power that he showed in three outings during the 12 months before that win.
Quigg is favourite to prevail, but this has the potential to be a closer clash than some are anticipating. Quigg hasn't fought in eight months after a hand injury and Martinez is said to be rejuvenated after linking up with a new trainer. Quigg craves the major fights, and he deserves to feature in them too, but he must overcome a tough opponent, whether that be by stoppage or on points, if he is going to remain in contention for the likes of Frampton, Nonito Donaire and Leo Santa Cruz.
3. David Price vs. Erkan Teper
Just over two years ago, British heavyweight David Price suffered a second demoralising defeat to Tony Thompson in front of his home fans in Liverpool, but after stringing together four successive wins, he has put himself in position to challenge for the vacant European title against Erkan Teper on Friday evening. It had been hoped that the bout could be staged on Merseyside, but after losing a purse bid, Price must do battle in Ludwigsburg in order to not only claim his most significant belt to date, but also elevate himself into contention for a major fight over the next 12 months.
However, travelling to Germany won't throw up too many surprises for Price. Three of his comeback outings have been staged in the country as representatives Sauerland Promotions looked to take him away from the high-pressure environment in Liverpool. Price enjoys competing in front of a vocal home support but a step back was required to calm expectations. In the space of five months, the 32-year-old had gone from being regarded as a future world champion to being labelled a "hype-job" in some quarters, but his time spent in mainland Europe has allowed him to rebuild his confidence and improve his fitness ahead of what is a tough test against Teper.
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After amassing 14 victories in a row, the 33-year-old has earned himself a world ranking position with the IBF while he is entering this fight on the back of inflicting the first career defeat of Johann Duhaupas, who has since gone on to beat former world title challenger Manuel Charr. Teper is giving up height to Price, but that won't discourage him as he looks to make his own statement in the division, with a victory potentially putting himself in line for a world title eliminator at the end of the year.
A dispute over Price's gloves resulted in the fight potentially being scrapped at late notice, but after the issue was resolved, Price has his opportunity to put himself back on the world map. He has openly stated that he wants to secure a domestic showdown with the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, but those fights will only materialise if he can successfully dispatch Teper.
Darren Plant
