Joshua vs Parker: Anthony Crolla ready to use Cardiff as perfect world title platform
Wednesday 28 March 2018 16:49, UK
Anthony Crolla sees his spot on Anthony Joshua's undercard as the "perfect platform" to set up a summer world title challenge.
The fans' favourite lightweight faces Mexican Edson Ramirez at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Crolla has not boxed since beating fellow former world champion Ricky Burns in September, and is looking to earn a crack at becoming a two-time winner.
With Jorge Linares defending Crolla's old WBA belt against Vasyl Lomachenko, and Mikey Garcia likely to vacate the WBC version, 'Millon Dollar' knows an impressive display on the Joshua-Parker bill, will open doors.
"The plan is to go in there and get the win and look good doing it, then we can set up those big fights in the summer," he told Sky Sports.
"If Mikey Garcia doesn't come back down to lightweight, then the WBC belt becomes vacant and I think Luke (Campbell) and (Yvan) Mendy are two and one and I am sixth.
"If Luke goes that route and can win that, I would love that - I'd happily take on the winner. If it doesn't, I am still high up the rankings for the WBA and just want to get in position to fight for a world title again.
"The other two belts are in America, Raymundo Beltran (WBO) and Robert Easter Jr (IBF), and they are both top fighters but they are fights I would welcome.
"Any one of the champions I get a chance at I am good for. I am very confident I can win another world title. I wouldn't be in this game if I didn't think I could.
"This will be going out over in America, so what better platform to send a nice message out to the rest of the world champions?"
Crolla is expecting a tough test from Ramirez, who has not lost in 18 fights after losing his second and third professional fights.
The Mancunian knows a loss will stop him in his world title tracks but insists he has improved since his back-to-back losses to Linares.
"I do feel with age and all the experience, I am becoming a lot wiser and smarter in the ring," he said.
"I feel stronger than ever as well and I am looking forward to boxing in front of so many people. I am excited to get in there.
"I'll be honest, I've only seen a bit of him and will watch a lot more in the next couple of days, but I don't want an easy ride and I don't think this will be one.
"This could turn out to be a tough test but if it is, I will get through it and it will put me in good stead for another world title fight."
Watch Anthony Crolla vs Edson Ramirez, on the Joshua vs Parker undercard, live and exclusive from Cardiff, March 31, on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online here.
