Jorge Linares Summer Return Targeted: Crolla, Flanagan in Play
May 12, 2016 • 4:03 PM ET
By Miguel Rivera
The lightweight champion of the World Boxing Council, Venezuela's Jorge Linares, could seek a unification fight when he returns in the summer, and everything indicates that his destiny will take him to England.
According to Robert Diaz, matchmaker for Linares' promoter Golden Boy Promotions, there is a good possibility that Linares will unify against Anthony Crolla or Terry Flanagan.
Diaz is heading over to the UK this weekend, where his company will represent Ivan Morales in his challenger of IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins, which will happen on Saturday in Cardiff, Wales. However, during his stay in the UK - Diaz will take the opportunity to negotiate for potential fights with Crolla and Flanagan.
Flanagan is promoted by Frank Warren, while Crolla is represented by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Sport.
"I'm going to Britain to accompany Ivan Morales who goes in search of history this weekend, when he tries to elevate the Morales dynasty by becoming the first trio of brothers in the history of Mexico to capture world championships, and we will also take some time to check into a few things with the future of Jorge Linares," said Diaz to ESPN Deportes.
Jorge could not make a mandatory defense against Dejan Zlaticanin due to a hand injury, which has been healing slowly and he will be allowed to return in the summer. The WBC ordered an interim championship fight between Zlaticanin and Emialiano Marsili as Linares recovers. That fight will take place on June 11.
"We will evaluate the two options, to unify with WBA champion Anthony Crolla, and with the champion of the WBO, Terry Flanagan. Both options are very interesting fights. They're looking for us to fight in England and will see what is best for Jorge, but this could in his future," said Diaz.
Linares turns 31 in August and has a record of 40-3 and 27 knockouts. He has accumulated nine wins since 2012. Crolla, 29, just knocked him Ismael Barroso in seven rounds to retain his title and has a record of 31-4-3 and 13 knockouts. Flanagan, 26, is unbeaten with a record of 30-0 and 12 knockouts.
