By Terence Dooley
News that Erik Morales will take on Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC light-welterweight title has been greeted with good cheer by boxing fans across the world. However, news of the clash has left Manchester’s Anthony Crolla without an opponent for the September 17th Floyd Mayweather versus Victor Ortiz card and in danger of missing out on an outing.
‘Million Dollar’ has an October 15th British lightweight title showdown with Scotland’s Willie Limnod on his plate yet he had hoped to take over a sizeable contingent of fans for his mooted meeting with the Mexican legend. Once news filtered through that it was not to be, the fighter turned his attention to the fans who have already splashed out on a trip to Las Vegas.
“I was devastated when I found out it was off, but then I immediately thought about all the people who had booked flights to see me. There were a few hundred going out who have spent their hard-earned money to fly out and won’t be able to get refunds. I’m still hoping to be on the undercard, so they should still get to see me. It’s the best case scenario in the circumstances,” said the 21-2 (9) boxer when speaker to the Manchester Evening News.
He added: “I’d heard some rumours that the fight was going to be called off. At first I was told they were just rumours, but there is no smoke without fire. If I do fight over there it will still be a great experience. It’s not the massive fight with Morales and if he’s going to fight Amir Khan then that fight may well have passed me by.”
Oscar De La Hoya has Tweeted a message of hope to Crolla’s family and friends, promising them that the 24-year-old will be given a run out on the marquee bill. Anthony, though, honestly felt that he could upset the odds by beating ‘El Terrible’, he must now turns his attention to Limond, 34-3 (8), and a morale-boosting maiden defence of the title he won by knocking out Liverpool’s John Watson in February.
As for Morales, the 51-7 (35) legend could secure a unification clash with Amir Khan should he ease by Lucas. Khan is eyeing a big final fight at 140lb and has mentioned the 34-year-old as a possible opponent should he pick up the belt, which was spuriously ripped from the waist of Tim Bradley last week, the WBC citing a lack of activity on his part when making the decision.
Indeed, Freddie Roach is excited by the possibility of Khan-Morales. “I have the new ‘Mexican Assassin’ in Amir,” Roach’s opinion of the potential contest.
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