Anthony Crolla tries to back up Jorge Linares, but the title holder spins and fires a left-right combo before showing some smart defence as Crolla tries to counter.

It's quick, tense and tight - as we expected.

Anthony Crolla is trying to get on the front foot again early in the second. Jorge Linares looking dangerous whenever he senses an opportunity.

Every jab from the Venezuelan is lightening fast and Crolla's having to dance around to dodge those. 

Image source, Reuters

Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit on BBC Radio 5 live

Crolla is doing something he said he would do - not over committing or throwing shots just for the sake of it.

It has only been three or four times, but Linares has countered beautifully. A good tight round, but a Linares round.

Tony Bellew is shouting ringside: "Show no respect Ant. Make it ugly Ant."

You can hear the thud as a sharp little left-handed body shot from Anthony Crolla catches Jorges Linares.

Crolla then drops down and looks to fire low with the right this time, but Linares leaps out of reach.

Both fighters going for the body early on. And that's the bell.

Andy: Come on Crolla. Time to get revenge.

We're under way. Manchester Arena screams and then breaks down into chants of "Anthony Crolla" again - the place is rocking.

Jorge Linares offers a glove looking for his range, while Crolla bounces around and attempts the draw the Venezuelan in.

Jorge Linares has stripped down to his shorts, but the baseball cap remains. He's nodding his head as he's introduced as the WBC lightweight champion of the world.

Off comes the cap. It's nearly time...

Image source, Getty Images

Neil Saddington: Should be a cracker. Hope Anthony Crolla can do it. Will be very tough though as Linares is a class act.

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport boxing reporter at Manchester Arena

Image source, .

It says a lot that as that last round between Brian Rose and Jack Arnfield played out, the crowd sang Anthony Crolla's name. 

I'm told the legend that is Oscar De La Hoya is backstage. I wonder if he heard the cries. I believe Jorge Linares shares the same 'Golden Boy' nickname as De La Hoya. 

Tony Bellew stands and has a bit of banter with the crowd about his weight. He claims he's lost the heavyweight timber.

Image source, .

Hughie Fury
Heavyweight world title contender on BBC Radio 5 live

Crolla will be thinking he has done the hard work and will get the crowd behind him. I, 100%, think he can pull it off.

He needs to be focused but also relaxed. If he can stay calm under pressure he will make Linares make mistakes.

"Oh, Anthony Crolla..." rings out around Manchester Arena.

The man himself is looking focused, his green 'Million Dollar' t-shirt matching that of his corner, while Jorge Linares bounces around in a gold-crested sweat top and baseball cap.

What do we reckon? Which way's this one going?

Image source, Getty Images

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport boxing reporter at Manchester Arena

Image source, .

The gent glaring at the ring is Victor Silva. He tells me he'll be broadcasting in countries from Venezuela down to Argentina tonight. 

I ask him how Jorge Linares is viewed in those countries. "They are crazy for him," he says.

"Naturally in Venezuela they love him but he's spent a lot of time in Mexico too, so they know him there.

"He's some fighter. He didn't used to have power but he's worked and worked and now he has it too."

Right, this one's a little more straightforward, sort of.

Jorge Linares mixes it up with a little bit of Eminem's 'Guess Who's Back?' before slipping seamlessly into some ACDC...

Darren Maddock: Think Linares might have too much but I'm usually wrong. Should be a decent scrap.

medhurstkp60: Anthony Crolla in sixth round booom.

Roger Curlett: Hope I'm wrong, but I think Linares will again be too tough for Anthony.

Now, my music knowledge is letting me down here, no time for a quick Shazam...

Luckily, my colleagues are on hand to point out it's actually James Arthur's cover of Adele's Hometown as Anthony Crolla approaches the arena floor, very apt.

Then he makes his way into the ring with a bit of Whitney Houston blaring out to the crowd.

Mike Costello
Radio 5 live boxing correspondent - ringside at Manchester Arena

The atmosphere, once again here, is enough to make a statue shiver.

"From Manchester, England....."

Yes, it's that time. Here comes Anthony Crolla!

Image source, PA

Now then, we've heard a lot about Anthony Crolla's prep, but what about Jorge Linares' approach to this one?

Well, the Venezuelan had stopped seven of eight opponents before meeting Crolla, who admits their bout turned on a power punch he took in the sixth round.

And Crolla's trainer Joe Gallagher feels Linares' choice of gloves this time around indicate he is targeting a knockout.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "The brand he has picked are known as a puncher's glove. They allow you to use power.

"When you see the choice of gloves, it gives you an idea of game plan. They want to throw fast combinations, go hard early and try to get the job done."