Willie Limond has tipped his British lightweight title challenge against Anthony Crolla to be one of the fights of the year as he prepares for a gruelling 12 rounds.
The pair met today in Glasgow at a head-to-head press conference to promote the Motherwell fight, but unlike many such occasions neither fighter boasted about how they would knock out their opponent.
Not only because they are good friends but because neither has a long track record of winning inside the distance.
Crolla stopped John Watson in the ninth round to claim the title in February but has only secured nine knockouts, while Limond only has eight from 37 fights.
However, the pair are known for their boxing skills and their endurance and Limond predicts a memorable encounter when the pair meet at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports facility on November 25.
Former Commonwealth and EU champion Limond, who lost a British super-featherweight title challenge against fellow Scot Alex Arthur in 2003, said: "The British title is one of the best belts out there so to be fighting for it again is a privilege.
"I can see this being one of the best fights of the year. On paper it's a great fight and I think on the night it's going to be an even better fight. And may the best man win."
The 32-year-old added: "I'm going to have a battle on my hands with Anthony.
"I went down to Manchester and sparred with him a couple of years ago.
"We just had a few rounds together. He probably got the better of me to be honest, but that was just sparring.
"Anthony is a quality fighter, he's not British champion for nothing.
"He has got a good camp, a good team behind him and a lot of good guys in the gym.
"Winners breed winners and it's a good mentality. So I know I'm in for a tough fight.
"There's a good chance it will go the distance, I'm training for 12 rounds anyway.
"Most of my fights will go 12 rounds. I have a solid punch but I'm not a one-punch knockout artist if I'm honest.
"Everyone knows that, they can see that from my record. So I know I need to get myself in top condition and I think I have."
Limond's manager, Tommy Gilmour, also feels the pair will give value for money when they meet in a contest to be screened live on BoxNation.
"We've got two really classy boxers," Gilmour said. "It will be an epic fight because they are not known for being particularly big punchers.
"Most of their fights have gone the distance but everyone has gone away with a great deal of enjoyment.
"I'm Willie's new manager but I've always been a fan of Willie's and I've known Anthony for a lot of years. I know the two kids will come in peak condition."
