Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares, billed as Two Worlds Collide, was a professional boxing match contested on 24 September 2016, for the WBA and The Ring lightweight championship.

[7][8] Speaking before the bout Crolla hoped to take advantage of the vulnerability Linares showed in his defence against Kevin Mitchell the previous year, saying "I’ve got to stamp my authority and gain that little bit of respect from him early on.

[10] In front of the hometown crowd Crolla's pressure fighting was countered by Linares' unique style, hand speed and power punches in a close and competitive bout.

Crolla was rocked in the 6th after a pair of clubbing overhand rights from Linares but the champion withstood the action and continued punching.

I gave it everything, it wasn't through a lack of trying, the difference was I took one or two hard counter-shots, which I was warned about by my team, and I paid the price.