By Elliot Foster
Anthony Crolla suggested a weight move could feature in his future plans.
Speaking after his defeat to Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, the 30-year-old told the media that there is a possibility that he could move up to super-lightweight.
But he did say that first would come some rest.
Crolla, who disclosed that he suffered a right rib injury prior to and during the fight, is planning on “reassessing things” before a return.
Prior to the fight, discussions had been had between Crolla and reporters about the potential of a fight over in Las Vegas.
However, the New Moston man –– who was on the wrong end of 118-109 scorecards from all three judges –– poured water over those in the wake of his second decision reverse at the hands of the Venezuelan in less than a year.
“If we’d have won, I genuinely believe that if a fight did get made over there that I would have taken real good numbers over there.
“Now, obviously we’ll reassess things, but it’s certainly something I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to.”
Many believe that the pinnacle of world boxing is fighting in the US, particularly in Vegas, and that is something that a downbeat Crolla –– who was rated number four by Ring Magazine going in to the fight –– agreed with, before retracting his comments.
“I take that back,” he continued. “I say [fighting in Las Vegas is] the ultimate, [but] I was just saying before [that] fighting in my home town, just a few miles away from my house and getting the support that I’m getting, you can’t get much better than that.”
Crolla is promoted by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport and the Brentwood-based outfit has WBA 140lb champion Ricky Burns in a unification fight with Julius Indongo, the IBF and IBO champion, at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow on April 15.
And Hearn said that there is a potential fight with Burns, should he come through Indongo, available for Crolla further down the line, though other options will be laid out. He says WBO champion Terry Flanagan is unlikely.
“(Flanagan) is a lovely guy but it’s not the same level of draw,” Hearn said. “He is a champion and we’re currently not the champion but there are other options as well. There’s Ricky Burns unifying the division on April 15, I wouldn’t rule out [Crolla] moving up to light-welterweight to fight the winner of that fight either.”
But for now, Crolla (31-6-3, 13 KOs) will take some time out before revealing his next move.
“Physically I feel strong. Light-welterweight – 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," Crolla said.
“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.”
