Jorge Linares has warned Manchester’s Anthony Crolla that he is feeling at home in his hometown ahead of their fight on Saturday night.

Linares will once again travel to the UK with a point to prove and he will be hoping to leave with Crolla’s WBA belt.

The Venezuelan will fight in the UK for the second time, after stopping Kevin Mitchell in dramatic fashion back in May 2015. The former three-weight world champion now returns with a big reputation and Crolla was hoping to use home advantage in the bout.

However, Linares insists he feels good after receiving a world welcome from the British public. He told Sky Sports News HQ: “I’m excited to be here.

Believe it or not, I feel like I’m at home because the fans received me well. “We’ve been here before, on a similar stage, when we fought Kevin Mitchell.

Manchester is different, but the love and respect I’m getting is admirable. “It’s a special night. It’ll be a war, and that’s what we’re prepared for.

It’s something very special what Crolla and I are doing, it’s something we love to do, and we’re proud representing. That’s what’s going to steal the show and give the fans a beautiful fight. “Every fight you learn more and gain experience.

I feel much better than I did with Mitchell – I’ve had a better camp with more sparring, more conditioning.” Crolla is the 1.53 favourite for the fight, with the draw priced at 23.00, while Linares can backed at 2.60.