Monday 25 January 2016 13:49, UK
WBA world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla is set to fulfil his duty to face mandatory challenger Ismael Barroso by April 12.
The 29-year-old Mancunian (30-4-3-KO12) relieved Darleys Perez of the title in November and should make his first defence against dangerous Venezuelan Barroso (19-0-2-KO18), who blasted Kevin Mitchell aside in a December eliminator.
Crolla's promoter, Eddie Hearn, told Sky Sports: "Barroso is the target for the first defence. It's a very dangerous fight but they all are at world championship level.
Barroso is dangerous and can punch with both hands but I think Crolla is massively underrated. I fancy him in that fight.
"I don't think it was the best Kevin Mitchell on the night. Barroso is dangerous and can punch with both hands but I think Crolla is massively underrated. I fancy him in that fight.
"A lot of people assumed Crolla would try and swerve that fight and that it's a dangerous one, but when I spoke to Anthony last week, that motivated him. He likes to prove people wrong. I'm in discussions now about the date."
Should Crolla navigate his way past Barroso, reports suggested a unification bout with the winner of Terry Flanagan's WBO defence against Derry Mathews was in the offing - but Hearn is looking further afield.
He added: "We're in talks with Jorge Linares' camp. We agreed terms with them for a unification fight but unfortunately the WBC ruled that he has to fight Dejan Zlaticanin.
"The Linares fight is there and agreed following both of our respective fights. Our first choice is Linares and terms are agreed. It would take place in Manchester in the summer."
Linares has defended his world title on British shores before - stopping Mitchell in the 10th round of a classic at The O2 in May 2015.
