Joshua vs Parker: Anthony Crolla could earn a world title fight against Luke Campbell
Thursday 29 March 2018 16:19, UK
Anthony Crolla could contest a world title with Luke Campbell if he comes through this weekend's fight at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Another opportunity to win the WBA lightweight title, which he previously owned, could arise if Crolla can beat Edson Ramirez on the Sky Sports Box Office undercard to Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker.
Jorge Linares is set to defend that belt against Vasyl Lomachenko but, regardless of the outcome, Crolla could find himself fighting for the belt quickly.
"We don't know what will happen after Lomachenko-Linares," WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told Sky Sports.
"For example, if Linares wins he might look towards the end of his career. Lomachenko, for example, might go back to 130lbs.
"It's possible the title will become vacant. A 'regular' title might come up - I don't know yet."
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: "I spoke to Gilberto about making a fight for the WBA title. Campbell-Crolla makes sense."
If a 'regular' title comes up, I would love Campbell to fight Crolla.
Mendoza added: "Our policy to have one champion has been very difficult. It's a good way to act but there are other fighters who need opportunities.
"We don't have a 135lbs No 1 contender. The mandatory is [Evens Pierre from Haiti].
"If a 'regular' title comes up, I would love Campbell to fight Crolla then the winner to face [Evens Pierre]. This is just an idea in my head."
Linares holds two victories over Crolla with the WBA lightweight belt on the line, and recently beat Campbell.
Crolla rebounded with a win against British rival Ricky Burns and, as well as his option with the WBA, he could meet Yvan Mendy (who owns a win over Campbell) in a fight with major ramifications for the WBC belt.
"The WBC or WBA, depending on how things work out," Crolla told Sky Sports News. "There will always be talk about us - a big domestic showdown for the world title would be very good. Our styles would gel.
"I want to become a two-time world champion. I'll go out Saturday night, put on a good performance, and move onto bigger nights."
