Anthony Crollas rollercoaster career dipped so low he almost quit four years ago, but on Saturday he believes it will hit new heights.The Briton defends his WBA world lightweight title against Venezuelas Jorge Linares (40-3, 27 KOs) in front of Crollas home fans at the Manchester Arena.The winner will be acclaimed the divisions No. 1 but four years ago Crolla (31-4-3, 13 KOs) was contemplating a change of jobs following defeats to British rivals Derry Mathews and Gary Sykes.The 29-year-old was then left on the brink of retirement in Decemeber 2014 when he suffered a fractured skull and broken ankle after he interrupted a neighbours house from being burgled and was attacked. Crolla had caught up with the burglars, who then hit him with a concrete slab.Its tough to put into words how my career has changed, its been a right rollercoaster, Crolla told ESPN. Ive never doubted I could get to this level but it looked very unlikely at various points of my career.I never once thought about packing it in but when I fought Kieran Farrell in 2012 my career was on the line and there was a job waiting for me to start on the Monday morning, because it would have been hard to come back if I had lost that make or break fight.Ive come so far in four years and I would be lying to say I thought I would be fighting the likes of Linares for the world title back then. I thought I might have to retire a couple years ago as well with injuries.Linares has not fought for nearly a year because of a fractured right hand and was stripped of the WBC belt because of his lay-off.Despite entering Saturdays fight as challenger, Linares is still widely regarded as the worlds leading lightweight and last year stopped Londoner Kevin Mitchell.But Crolla has been in inspired form since lifting the WBA belt and makes a second defence against Linares after two knockout wins over Darleys Perez and Ismael Barroso.I feel with my momentum now I can achieve anything, Crolla said. Confidence is a great thing to be running on and Im a happy fighter.You grow as a fighter and a person. Ive matured later than other fighters and Ive made a few tweaks in training which has helped too.Ive changed my strength and conditioning work and do things like yoga as well, which has helped me in the ring. The general conception is that Linares is No. 1 at the weight and I see beating him will make me the main man.I feel better than ever right now. Arguably Linares is number one in the division, but I believe its myself and others would argue otherwise. On Saturday we will find out who is the best.Linares, 31, was last in action when he knocked out Ivan Cano in four rounds, but Crolla says the lay-off is irrelevant and plans to box clever against his dangerous challenger who has registered four successive stoppage wins in four different countries.Ive watched him for years, even before I thought I might fight him, and technically hes brilliant, Crolla said. Hes had a bit of time out but he looked sharp in training in the video he put on social media so hes been working hard.He likes to fight at his pace and I cant allow that and Ive got to be switched on from the opening bell. I cant be lazy because hes a good counter puncher.I have to use my brain in this fight. Ive been working hard on my boxing ability and my angles because hes too good to walk in straight lines.Crolla visited the Manchester United training ground last week and hopes some of the players will be ringside to cheer him on at the Manchester Arena after the English Premier League sides game with Leicester City earlier in the day.As a United fan it was very special to be able to watch them train, meet a few of the players and the manager, Crolla added. I dont definitely know who is coming and weve got Leicester that day but hopefully Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young will be there.The crowd in Manchester gives me that extra gear and they will be better than ever. I just want to do them proud and give them a good night.Astros Jerseys China .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Astros Jerseys 2020 . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. https://www.cheapastros.com/ . -- Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was selected Monday to his second straight Pro Bowl, while guard Kyle Long made it after a solid rookie season. Astros Jerseys 2019 . LOUIS -- Valtteri Filppula assisted on three of Tampa Bays four goals, and the Lightning beat the St. Houston Astros Shirts . -- Hunter Smith scored the winner with just 12 seconds remaining in the third period as the Oshawa Generals edged the host Sarnia Sting 5-4 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action.STARKVILLE, Miss. --- Following almost two-hour weather delay, the Commodores came out to defeat the Mississippi State bulldogs in double overtime. The victory was the Commodores first SEC victory of the season, and fifth straight over the Bulldogs.Hannon Eberts came through for the Dores in the 104th minute for the game-winning goal. Eberts goal came off a fantastic run and assist by redshirt-junior Danae OHalloran, who powered up the field from Bulldog territory to rip a cross straight to the Somers, NY native.Amid the clangs of MSU cowbells and intermitted rainstorms, the Bulldogs took the early lead in the fourth minute off a set piece. Taking a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, MSUs shot ricocheted down off the bottom of the VU crossbar and into the back of the net.The Commodores movement throughout the first half kept the Bulldogs on their heels. Danae OHalloran and Sydney ODonnell continuously served the ball into the box, but the Commodores unable to finishLate in the second half the Commodores began playing with confidence.Forced to play physically the entire matchup, freshman midfielder Nia Dorsey gained possession in Bulldog territory after a fantastic cut. The Elkridge, MD native dribbled some 55-yards into the MSU box and connected a beautiful cross to Lydia Simmons. Simmons put a fantastic finish on the ball to tie the matchup in the 42nd minute.With the competition tied, Vandy headed into the locker room with momentum on its side, and used the power defensively as MSU won balls at midfield and kept possession throughout the first five minutes of the final half.Following the on slot of Bulldog shots, a yellow card awarded to the Bullldogs, which changed the tide of possession for the next 15 minutes.ddddddddddddSimmons served a strong free kick into the box, which was batted down the MSU keeper. Second later, the Dores were back at it again offensively as OHalloran served an identical ball with the same result.The Commodores had an additional chance to take the lead as Simmons crossed the ball, to Grace Jackson. The freshman from Atlanta was unable to finish, as her diving header was saved by MSU keeper, Tanya de Souza.As the clock expired, the Bulldogs had two close opportunities to take the lead and the game, but were unable to finish in front of goal.Heading into sudden death overtime both squads were evenly matched on paper, tied with 14 shots, seven saves and three corners. Like the two halves prior, both the Commodores and Bulldogs had a slew of offensive opportunities, but were unable to finish throughout the first overtime periodLike MSU in the first period, Vanderbilt was on the offensive attack to begin the final ten minutes of OT right out of the gate. In the 100th minute, Eberts sent a shot wide, with Scarpa generating a shot on goal minutes later.After sprinting into the box, Eberts was ready and positioned in front of the Bulldog goal as OHalloran served the ball into the box to seal the victory.Vanderbilt returns home next week, hosting the Texas A&M Aggies Thursday at 7:00 pm for social media night. LSU heads to town for a 1:00 pm Sunday matinee. The Commodores will be celebrating International Day, and were bringing back Vanderbrunch! ' ' '