Darleys Perez vs. Anthony Crolla: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

Anthony Crolla will make an emotional return to the ring on Saturday when he takes on WBA lightweight champion Darleys Perez in Manchester.

Crolla had been due to fight former title holder Richar Abril for the same belt at the start of the year, only to suffer serious injuries when trying to prevent a burglary at his neighbour's house.

Now ready to make his comeback, the Mancunian (29-4-2, 11 KOs) finally gets the opportunity to be crowned in his own back yard.

However, Perez (32-1, 20 KOs) is not interested in being part of the supporting cast in a fairytale story. He has only just assumed the role of full champion, with this being his first defence.

When: Saturday, July 18, 9 p.m. BST

Where: Manchester Arena, Manchester, England

TV: Sky Sports (UK)

Live Stream: Sky Sports (UK, regional restrictions apply)

Million Dollar jackpot

When he found himself in a hospital bed after being hit over the head by a concrete slab, Crolla must have feared for his boxing future, never mind his chances of becoming a world champion.

Thankfully, the 28-year-old has made a full recovery and, judging from promoter Eddie Hearn's recent tweet, is in outstanding shape for the bout at Manchester Arena:

Crolla is no stranger to rebuilding after setbacks.

In 2012, he lost twice, including surrendering the British lightweight belt to Derry Mathews, and it seemed the Manchester United fan was destined to remain stuck at the domestic and European level.

However, Million Dollar has not lost since being beaten by longtime rival Gary Sykes in the Prizefighter tournament. He has recorded wins over the respected duo of Gavin Rees and John Murray, though this is a step up again in class.

His trainer, Joe Gallagher, told Sky Sports that his man must keep his cool in what will be an emotional atmosphere:

"We've spoken about discipline because he knows he's in against a quality opponent and he can't afford to get 'giddy' as I call it.

"He can't take that risk because Perez only needs one shot—he's got a dangerous left hook in him. Anthony can't slip up by being reckless."

Perez out to spoil the party

With Abril stripped of the belt after pulling out of two straight defences, Perez has been promoted to full champion. 

The Colombian has won four fights in a row since being out-pointed by Yuriorkis Gamboa in June 2013. That defeat is the only blemish on a professional record that boasts 20 wins by knockout.

His power makes him a serious threat to any opponent. He's not lacking in confidence, either, having agreed to travel to England for the fight.

Perez, per Matchroom Boxing, knows he will not just be up against Crolla but also the entire crowd: 

"

It’s going to be very loud and the crowd will be pro Crolla.

I believe that I don’t need a knock out to win the fight. I just need to get in the ring and start doing my work.

He’ll have everyone in the arena rooting for him. 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.

"

The 31-year-old, who competed at the 2008 Olympics, seems determined to spoil the party in Manchester. 

Prediction

If you're the sentimental type, Crolla is the clear choice to win.

However, the boxing ring is no place for sentimentality. Perez is a dangerous opponent, particularly for a challenger whose last outing, in November 2014, was a routine six-round contest.

The South American has the power to trouble Crolla, who is jumping straight back in at the deep end.

Expect the local boy to be the busier of the two in the first half of the bout, but at some stage, he will end up getting caught. Perez will come out on top via a late stoppage.