Popular Mancunian Anthony Crolla faces off with formidable Venezuelan Jorge Linares for a second time on Saturday night, hoping to snatch back the WBA world lightweight title he lost in September.
Up to this point, Crolla's boxing career wouldn't look out of place on the computer screen of a Hollywood scriptwriter.
In a little over a decade as a professional, the affable 30 year old has dealt with both the highs and the lowest of lows that boxing can throw at a fighter. Even Rocky Balboa would stand up and take notice.
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'Million Dollar' Crolla, as he is affectionately known by his fans, was almost forced to hang up his gloves back in December 2014 when burglars left him with a fractured skull and a serious injury to his ankle.
The mindless thugs had been trying to break in to Crolla's neighbour's house before he heroically intervened.
Crolla, 31-5-3 (13), recovered and with it came his first tilt at a world title.
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More heartbreak followed when he was forced to take a draw against Darleys Perez but Crolla quickly made amends when he was finally crowned champion following an emphatic fifth round knockout in the rematch.
A standout KO win against the tough Ismael Barroso last year was followed by Linares' points win in the pair's first meeting in September.
Although a close fight, Linares had done more than enough against a game Crolla to earn the 115-114, 117-111 and 115-113 scores that gave him the unanimous points win.
The Venezuelan, 41-3 (27), will be fighting in his eleventh world title fight this weekend and his experience at this level could once again be the crucial difference on Saturday night.
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Many wrote Linares off in the first fight, questioning whether the 31 year old could still compete at world level. Nonetheless he proved his detractors wrong and remains unbeaten in just short of five years.
A world class operator, Linares never really looked like he was losing against Crolla.
He got hurt yes, and the home-fighter can take encouragement from that, but from the sixth round onwards, the South American took control of the fight and deservedly won.
Only a fool would completely write Crolla off this weekend however. He's determined, moves well, is solid with the jab and carries more power in his hands than his 33% KO record gives him credit for.
The younger and fresher of the two fighters, despite only a year separating them, Crolla's best chance could be to dictate the pace and force his opponent in to mistakes.
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Overall, I feel this fight will follow the same patterns as the first.
I expect Crolla to start off as the livelier of the pair, perhaps nicking some of the earlier rounds, before Linares' experience and exceptional ring craft take over around midway point where the Venezuelan pulls away to take another points decision.
Recommended bet: Jorge Linares by decision or technical decision - 6/4
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