Belt means world to Crolla

Anthony Crolla says he wants the Lonsdale Belt for keeps - but Saturday's opponent Derry Mathews has vowed to take him into the trenches.

The Manchester tyro will make the second defence of his British lightweight title in Oldham this weekend, and a victory will take him within one of keeping the belt for good.

And the 25-year-old admits that would mean more than anything so far in a career that has seen him chalk up a 23-2 record.

"The Lonsdale belt is my absolute pride and joy," he told Hatton Boxing. "It means the world to me and my family are so proud of it.

"To have one for keeps on the mantel piece means the world to me. I always said when I came into boxing it was my ambition to win a Lonsdale belt."

Many believe Crolla is already better than domestic level but he is not looking beyond Mathews.

"If the next one goes wrong against Mathews talk of European and world title fights down the line go out of the window," he added.

And the Liverpool warrior believes he will provide Crolla with his toughest assignment to date.

"Anthony has never been cut, been floored and got up to win," he said. "I'm going to take him to places he has never been before."