Crolla’s weighty matter

Briton ponders moving up division after title defeat

Anthony Crolla is planning a well-earned break after a tough couple of years in and out of the ring but would be happy tomoveup 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 by the Venezuelan in their rematch at the same venue.

It was the Mancunian’s fifth successive world title

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fight, though, the first of which came months after he was left with a fractured skull and a broken ankle after

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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 twin losses to Linares.

Despite those setbacks, the 30-year-old could next move up to light-welterweight to take on WBA holder Burns. While he would relish the prospect of an all-British showdown, his immediate priority is resting body and mind.

Crolla, who revealed he was troubled by a rib injury from the fourth round onwards, said: “I’m going to have a little break with my family now. 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 and I still want to be involved in those big fights.

Light-welterweight – I’d certainly go into it. Burns has come up from superfeather, so that’s certainly an option.”

Jorge Linares on the attack against Anthony Crolla