Retired boxer Russ Arrowsmith bridged the generation gap when he took part in a sparring session with world champion Anthony Crolla.
The pair are preparing to run together in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 22 – more than four decades after Russ used to box with Crolla’s father Wayne.
Russ, a businessman from Salford, is a member of ‘Crolla’s Army’ who will join the fighter in the 10k event just two weeks after Anthony makes the first defence of his world title.
Anthony took time out from the build up to his WBA lightweight world title bout against Ismael Barroso, from Venezuela, at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, May 7, to give a personal pep talk to his ‘Crolla’s Army’ at Salford Quays.
Anthony has hand-picked 12 runners – one for each round of a professional boxing bout and all of whom have personal reasons for taking part in the 10k run.
Russ was a member of the Fox ABC in Manchester where Anthony began his career. The link is even stronger as Russ was a master of ceremonies for bouts, one of which involved a young Crolla.
Russ explained: “I was the announcer in the ring when Anthony took part in the divisional schoolboy championships when he was 11. I was a lightweight and his dad was a bit bigger than me so we’d train together but we never fought each other.
“I’ve been the MC at fights involving Tyson Fury, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton and it’s a great thrill to be part of ‘Crolla’s Army.’ I’ve done the Manchester 10k a few times and it’s a great occasion.”
At the training camp at Salford Quays Watersports Centre, on Tuesday 5 April, Russ got an insight from Crolla on what it takes to become a world champion.
Anthony will join his teammates on the start line in the Great Manchester Run before they all complete the 10k route wearing branded ‘Crolla’s Army’ running shirts. They will then meet up at the finish to share experiences.
The boxer may, though, have a few more aches and pains than others in the field of up to 40,000 runners, having been in the ring for his big fight only two weeks earlier!
Anthony said: “The Great Manchester Run is one of the greatest sporting events in the city. Just taking part as one of the 40,000 runners and being cheered through the city centre by thousands of supporters is incredible, but to have my own team is amazing.
“I’ve picked 12 runners with a strong personal reason for being part of ‘Crolla’s Army’ who are committed to making this year’s Great Manchester Run their greatest ever run.
“I take inspiration from my team of runners who include people who’ve fought major difficulties in their life, including cancer, to come back stronger.
“Some have made big changes in the lives to get fit while others are raising money and awareness for important causes and in memory of loved ones.
“I’m now stepping up my preparations to defend my world title so am giving ‘Crolla’s Army’ a flavour of the kind of training I’m doing.
“They look focused to take on the challenge and I hope to be celebrating a successful defence of my world title when I join them on the start line on Sunday 22 May.”
To enter the Great Manchester Run go to www.greatrun.org/Manchester
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