The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Crolla open to Burns clash – after break
Anthony Crolla is planning a wellearned break after a tough couple of years in and out of the ring but would be happy to move up a division to face Scot Ricky Burns on his return.
Crolla was unable to regain the WBA lightweight title he lost to Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena six months ago after being outclassed in their rematch at the same venue.
It was the Mancunian’s fifth successive world title fight, though, the first of which came months after he was left with a fractured skull and a broken ankle after confronting burglars in December 2014.
That result against Darleys Perez ended in a controversial draw, but Crolla prevailed in a return bout and defended the belt against big-punching Ismael Barroso before his losses to Linares.
Despite those setbacks, the 30-year-old could next move up to light-welterweight to take on WBA champion Burns. And while he would relish the prospect of an all-British showdown, his immediate priority is resting his body and mind.
“I’m going to have a little break with my family now,” the 30-yearold said. “I think I’ve had a pretty tough two years fight-wise and all the stuff that comes with it.
“I believe there will be plenty of options and plenty of fights out there for us and I still want to be involved in those big fights.
“Physically I feel strong. Lightwelterweight – with the notice – I’d certainly go into it that’s for sure. Burns has come up from super-feather so that’s certainly an option. I would grow into it.
“I’m 30 years old but I don’t think I’m an old 30. Even though I’ve been in the hard fights, I live well and that certainly helps.”
Any potential clash seems to rest on Burns coming through his world title unification contest against IBF champion Julius Indongo in Glasgow next month.
Another fight with Linares would almost certainly have been on the cards had Crolla triumphed on Saturday night, but the 31-yearold proved he is an elite fighter with a dazzling performance.
Crolla was repeatedly stung by the champion’s blurring hand speed and all three judges scored the contest 118-109 in favour of the three-weight world champion.