Sunday 25 September 2016 12:57, UK
Anthony Crolla is likely to get a rematch with Jorge Linares, with the new WBA world lightweight champion even happy to return to Manchester.
'Million Dollar' suffered a unanimous points loss in front of an expectant crowd, with the established three-weight world champion and new Ring Magazine title holder winning 115-114 117-111 115-113.
After 12 tough rounds, Crolla admitted that his head "was still spinning" but promoter Eddie Hearn revealed there is a rematch deal in the contract and Linares admitted he would like to do it all again.
"First, I want to take a good break, see how my hand heals," Linares told Sky Sports. "Then I'll go to the gym and then maybe I'll come back to England and maybe to Manchester. I love it here. Anthony Crolla deserves a rematch."
Hearn, who on Saturday also suggested that Anthony Joshua could take on Wladimir Klitschko on the back of Tyson Fury's withdrawal from their world title rematch, is expecting Crolla to get another crack.
The Mancunian's defeat completed an unhappy hat-trick for British boxing with Kell Brook, Liam Smith and now the former WBA holder all losing the toughest tests of their careers, but the promoter believes there will be the chance to avenge Saturday night's defeat.
"There will be a rematch," Hearn told Sky Sports. "There's already an agreement for a rematch. Manchester and Great Britain should be so proud of Anthony Crolla. He's never once moaned despite everything he's been through. We will do it again and Anthony Crolla will win."
Crolla was also happy to look ahead at a rematch but was quick to pay tribute to Linares, who will not only be taking the WBA world title back to Tokyo, Japan, but also the Ring Magazine lightweight title.
It was the first time he had gone the full 12 rounds in a career that has seen him win world titles in three different weights and boxed in four continents and still has a fan from Manchester.
"He rocked my world," Crolla added. "I'm not going to lie. My head's still spinning now. I'm in great condition and that's what pulled me through it. It's a pleasure to share the ring with a great like Linares.
"He's the best fighter I've shared the ring with. I came so close to beaten him so it shows I belong at that level. A few mistakes can cost you dearly and that's what happened tonight. I'm gutted.
"The way this city turned out, I've got to make sure I win a rematch. It's something I'm so thankful for."
