Anthony Crolla (l) with danger man Ismael Barosso. Photo: Mark Robinson

Britain’s Anthony Crolla insists he is taking on the most dangerous lightweight on the planet when he defends his WBA title against Ismael Barroso in Manchester, England, on May 7.

Crolla, who is rated No. 6 by THE RING at 135 pounds, makes the first defense of the title he won from Darleys Perez via fifth-round body shot knockout last November by taking on the power-punching Barroso in a significant test of his world level credentials.

The unbeaten Venezuelan made it 18 knockouts from 19 fights in the paid ranks with a brutal win over Kevin Mitchell in December, a win that paved the way for this opportunity.

Both men met at a press conference in Manchester on Tuesday and Crolla was quick to pour scorn over suggestions that he would avoid the challenger.

“When you work for something so hard and so long, the last thing you want to do is give it up,” said Crolla in a press release issued by Matchroom Boxing. “I’d be a fraud if I’d done that when my mandatory is in front of me. It’s the most dangerous fight of my career. I saw him take Kevin out in London and he did it in impressive fashion. They were confident of winning the fight and they did the job, but I saw things in him that I could capitalize on.

“The suggestion that I would duck him got my back up a bit. When you are champion you fight the best challengers out there and that’s what I see in Barroso. I am looking forward to us both putting on a fantastic fight. We know he can bang and that is why everyone avoids him, but I believe I have got the tools to beat him and he’s not taking my belt.”

Barroso is no stranger to travelling, having competed in eight countries during an 11-year career, and the 33-year-old has informed Crolla that his reign as champion will be short lived.

“My fight with Kevin (Mitchell) was good but this will be better,” said Barroso. “You will see two great fighters. I know Anthony is an excellent champion, but I will take the belt to Venezuela.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn today announced early details of the undercard, with the return to the ring of two-weight world title challenger Martin Murray as he hunts a showdown with Londoner George Groves.

“This is going to be a wonderful night in Manchester,” said Hearn. “Anthony’s fight with Ismael is a fantastic one. Ismael is without doubt the most dangerous man in the 135 pound division, but Anthony is not scared of anyone. He believes that he’s got the goods to beat him and go on to unify the division.”

Information provided courtesy of a press release issued by Matchroom Boxing

Tickets are on general sale £40, £60, £80 and £100 www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs are available exclusively through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £200. Tickets for May 7 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/

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