Anthony Crolla is really motivated to get in the ring with fellow former world champion Ricky Burns, but he admits the contest could spell retirement for the loser. The winner could find himself a step closer to another world title opportunity.

There is no guarantee the contest will actually take place, but there are already discussions taking place and both fighters are on board with having the fight take place.

"It's early days in negotiations and I only heard about it when social media started going mad about it last week and it has carried a fair bit of weight since. There has been talk of us fighting for years but it never happened and I will know a lot more in the next week when I speak to my team whether we will finally get it on. I'm ticking over in the gym and when a date gets sorted, I'm in a good place to start camp. It would be a hugely important fight and it would be a very long way back for the loser and could even bring about retirement. The winner on the other hand would be straight back in the world-title picture - so there's an awful lot riding on this one," Crolla told Sky Sports.

Burns failed to unify the super lightweight division in April, when he lost a twelve round unanimous decision in an IBF, WBA and IBO unification bout with Julius Indongo.

Meanwhile, Crolla lost a twelve round unanimous decision to Jorge Linares in their rematch for the WBA lightweight crown in March.

Burns (41-6-1, 14 KOs) has gone 5-4 in his last nine fights, with defeats to Terence Crawford, Omar Figueroa, Dejan Zlatecanin and Indongo. On the other side, Crolla (31-6-3, 13 KOs) has only lost twice in his last thirteen fights, both times to Linares, but he also had three draws with Derry Matthews, Darleys Perez (who Crolla knocked out in the rematch) and Gamaliel Diaz.

Crolla has no issue with the venue. He expects a very lively crowd regardless of where the contest lands.

"I don't mind where this fight takes place and neither does Burns, whether it is Manchester or Glasgow, you are guaranteed a brilliant atmosphere. I know either of us would bring a good travelling party to the other's hometown because this is a great fight," Crolla said.

"Burns fought Julius Indongo last time out and struggled with his style. It's difficult to say whether he has slowed down a bit because Indongo was a very awkward customer and a lot better than anyone anticipated - we will find out in his next outing."