By Ben Jacobs
Ismael Barroso (19-0-2, 18 KOs) recently announced himself on the world stage with a devastating fifth round knockout of Kevin Mitchell at London’s O2 Arena. With the victory, the Venezuelan captured the WBA interim title at lightweight making him the potential challenger for current world champion Anthony Crolla in his next fight. Logically the bout could happen at some point next year although a member of Barroso’s team believes another direction is more likely for Crolla.
“I believe that Crolla’s people fear Barroso and they will look to make a unification fight with Jorge Linares (WBC champion) to avoid him,” the source told BoxingScene.com on condition of anonymity.
Linares has fought in the UK before, also against Mitchell in May of this year and successfully defended his title for a second time in his native Venezuela with a fourth round knockout of Ivan Cano.
Meanwhile Crolla hit gold with a memorable and emotional fifth round stoppage of Darleys Pérez in a rematch last month in Manchester.
Ben Jacobs is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @Ben2012_London
