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Linares vs Crolla: Mikey Garcia says Anthony Crolla can win the rematch

Mikey Garcia
Image: Mikey Garcia (pictured) has talked up Anthony Crolla's chances against Jorge Linares

Mikey Garcia wants to fight the winner of the Jorge Linares-Anthony Crolla rematch and believes 'Million Dollar' has a "real chance".

WBC lightweight champion Garcia wants a unification clash before the end of the year and will be watching Linares-Crolla, with the WBC 'Diamond', WBA and Ring Magazine titles on the line in Manchester on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Garcia is leaning towards Linares, but the unbeaten Californian will not be surprised if Crolla gains revenge for the points defeat he suffered in September.

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"The first fight was very good but if Crolla makes some proper adjustments, then he has a better chance in the rematch. A real chance," Garcia exclusively told Sky Sports.

"That first fight was close and wasn't one-sided, and Anthony Crolla put up a very good fight. He had some success, so I am not counting him out.

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Watch the highlights of the first fight between Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares

"I would really like to see him make adjustments if he can and get Linares off his game-plan, he could definitely win it.

"But if he is unable to - and the boxing skills of Linares are just a little bit too much for Crolla, then Linares will take it again."

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Garcia will also follow the fate of another Mancunian as he waits to see if Terry Flanagan will defend his WBO belt against Petr Petrov, in April.

Anthony Crolla (red trunks) and Jorge Linares (black trunks) in action
Image: Crolla has to make adustments to win, says Garcia

But the 29-year-old admits either Crolla or Linares will top his hit-list, with another WBC title at stake, and would happily face the British fighter in Las Vegas or Manchester.

"If I could pick next, I think I would go for Crolla or Linares, whoever is victorious," he said.

Tale of the Tape - Linares v Crolla II
Image: Tale of the Tape - Linares v Crolla II at Manchester Arena

"The WBC have mentioned they want to order that fight and the winner of that would be the king of the division.

"I want to do things and solidify things, and leave a mark on the sport and winning the Ring Magazine lightweight titles really interest me.

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Mikey Garcia produced a 'Knockout of the Year' contender as he stopped Dejan Zlaticanin with a thunderous right hand

"If Crolla wins I would be willing to travel to the UK if I have to, because I would like to fight in the UK one day. But of course, if he wants to come to Vegas, it would be a huge fight.

"He brings a lot of support, all the UK fighters always do and I have loads supporting me, so it it would be massive."

Watch Jorge Linares vs Anthony Crolla II and a packed undercard, live from the Manchester Arena, from 7pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 1.

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