Colombian Darleys Perez is determined to destroy the dreams of local hero Anthony Crolla when he defends his WBA lightweight title for the first time in Manchester, England, on Saturday.

Perez (32-1, 20 knockouts) will cross the Atlantic for the first time in his professional career to face the Englishman, who has recovered from a life threatening attack in December to land his first title shot. The visitor expects a hostile atmosphere, but explained that it will not prevent him from retaining his title.

“It’s going to be very loud and the crowd will be pro Crolla,” said Perez in a press release issued by Matchroom Boxing. “I don’t believe that I need a knockout to win the fight, I just need to get in the ring and start doing my work. He’ll have the full support of the crowd, but none of that bothers me. I know what I have to do to win and there’s no way I’m going back to Colombia without my world title.

“Crolla is the best British lightweight; he moves well, has a good jab, and is a good all-round boxer but I will show how to exploit his mistakes. I know that I’m going to get the win and then maybe I will return (to the U.K.) and beat another British lightweight.”

This fight along with “Scott Quigg vs. Kiko Martinez” will be shown live from 7.00pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1HD in the U.K. Tickets are available through www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIP’s are available exclusively through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at ┬ú300.

Information provided courtesy of a press release

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing