Kell Brook has backed Anthony Crolla to help put the feel-good factor back into British boxing when he defends his WBA world title against Jorge Linares on Saturday.

The lightweight faces arguably the toughest challenge of his career against the three-weight world champion but will be motivated to put on a show in front of his home crowd at the Manchester Arena.

Brook’s recent loss to Gennady Golovkin has appeared to halt the momentum behind British boxing that has been building in recent years, but the Sheffield star believes the stage is now set for Crolla to get things back on track.

The 29-year-old won the belt during his second bout with Darleys Perez last November and successfully defended his crown against Ismael Barroso in May.

Like Brook, Million Dolla has recovered from a career threatening injury suffered away from the ring to conquer the world.

The Special One admits Crolla faces a huge task on Saturday but is adamant he has what it takes to get the better of the fearsome Venezuelan Linares.

“It’s top fight after fight at the moment and this is the time for British boxing,” he told Sky Sports.

“Eddie Hearn and other promoters are putting really good fights on that we all want to see – and 50-50 fights where everyone is talking about it, but they can’t pick them.

“These are the best fights the fans want to see, those that are hard to call. It is hard to split them, but with the wins he’s been having recently, I have to lean towards Crolla.”

Crolla is the 1.53 favourite to win in Manchester, with Linares 2.60 and the draw 26.00.