Burns vs Crolla Latest: Ball is in Frank Warren’s Court

By Terence Dooley

Ricky Hatton talked about his high hopes for Anthony Crolla this week and admitted that he is willing to work with former promoter Frank Warren should Ricky Burns decide to defend his WBO interim lightweight title against ‘Million Dollar’ at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena on March 10th. 

‘Rickster’ won the title by decisioning Michael Katsidis on Bonfire Night.  Crolla picked up the British title with a KO of John Watson in February of last year and easily out-pointed Willie Limond in his first defence of the belt.  It has all the makings of a decent all-British clash. 

Gareth Williams, CEO of Hatton Promotions, believes that Crolla, 23-2 (9), has become one of their hottest properties since beating Andy Morris in 2010.  “Ricky went to Glasgow to watch Anthony beat Limond and was shocked by how much Anthony has moved on since he beat Andy,” said Williams when speaking to Boxingscene. 

“I think it (Burns-Crolla) is a better for Ricky than bringing in an overseas fighter.  We’re willing to speak about it but are waiting to hear from Ricky’s people.”

Burns moved to 33-2 (9) with the win over Katsidis, he has recovered well since losing to Alex Arthur and Carl Johanneson earlier in his career.  Ironically, the determination shown by the Scotsman helped stiffen Crolla’s resolve when the Mancunian dropped decisions to Youssef Al Hamidi and Gary Sykes in 2008 and 2009 respectively, making a Burns-Crolla clash an interesting fight should Warren opt for it.

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