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After that Crolla had a brief rally as the fight clicked up a gear, the tempo became more entertaining.
But the hometown man was never really in the driving seat against his imperious opponent, who stayed solid and relentlessly landed the punches with pin-point accuracy.
The crowd were in fine voice at the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena, constantly chanting 30-year-old Crolla’s name as the pair spent the opening half of the fight pretty much at even-Steven.
Anthony Crolla attempts to rally himself after being knocked to the deck by Jorge LinaresGetty ImagesAnthony Crolla struggles on his knees against Jorge LinaresMatty Pover
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Crolla said: “Jorge Linares is a great fighter and a great champion.
“Manchester I’m so sorry I couldn’t do it for your support. Your support, I’m taken aback by it, the way you come back for me time after time, it means so much to me.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t do it for you tonight.
Jorge Linares retained his WBA lightweight title in Manchester after beating Britain’s Anthony Crolla once againGetty ImagesJorge Linares lands a right hook on the head of Anthony Crolla in ManchesterReuters
“I got beaten by the better man, no excuses, he’s a fantastic fighter and I’m just sorry I couldn’t do it tonight. The stage was set.
“I’m 30 years old, I’m going to rest, I’ve had some tough fights and I think I’m going to come again.”
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