Anthony Crolla has laughed off Derry Mathews’s claim that he branded his big fight rival a “stepping stone”.
Crolla, 25, makes his second British lightweight title defence against his Merseyside challenger at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday April 21.
Crolla 23-2 said: “Derry has totally made up the ‘stepping stone’ comment. Never once have I called him that, I would never call any fighter that because it is totally disrespectful – never mind somebody of Derry’s caliber”
Star referee Marcus McDonnell was due to referee the 12-round clash, but was removed by the BBB of C on Monday after praising Matthews 29-6-1 on a social networking site.
Crolla added “It doesn’t bother me if Marcus McDonnell is the referee because he is good and I would have no problem him officiating in my future fights.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets are on sale. They are priced at £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP Ringside. You can buy by calling the Hatton Box Office 01925 755 222,
Crolla sets record straight over ref stepping down and stepping stone jibe
Anthony Crolla has laughed off Derry Mathews’s claim that he branded his big fight rival a “stepping stone”.
Crolla, 25, makes his second British lightweight title defence against his Merseyside challenger at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday April 21.
Crolla 23-2 said: “Derry has totally made up the ‘stepping stone’ comment. Never once have I called him that, I would never call any fighter that because it is totally disrespectful – never mind somebody of Derry’s caliber”
Star referee Marcus McDonnell was due to referee the 12-round clash, but was removed by the BBB of C on Monday after praising Matthews 29-6-1 on a social networking site.
Crolla added “It doesn’t bother me if Marcus McDonnell is the referee because he is good and I would have no problem him officiating in my future fights.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets are on sale. They are priced at £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP Ringside. You can buy by calling the Hatton Box Office 01925 755 222,