Anthony Crolla wants another world title bid after Jorge Linares loss
Monday 27 March 2017 07:56, UK
Anthony Crolla will not allow Jorge Linares beating him to dereail his bid to become a world champion again.
Crolla showed tremendous heart against the WBA lightweight champion, overcoming a seventh-round knockdown to take the classy Venezuelan the distance before losing a unanimous points decision.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ the morning after the fight, Million Dollar Crolla hinted he could explore options in America after a valiant performance, which was broadcast live in the States.
"I'm gutted by the defeat," Crolla said. "I'd put so much hard work into the camp and to not get the result I wanted is hard to take but I've got no excuses whatsoever.
"I lost to the better man and Jorge Linares put in a great performance. I made some improvements from the first fight - which I took into the second fight - but he raised it to a whole new level.
"I believe I will improve and come back better from this. I have come back from worse things before.
"The fight was screened live on Sky Sports but also over in America on Showtime so my profile has risen. I gave it my all and I think they were impressed with what they saw even though I didn't get the result I wanted.
"I think there are still plenty if options out there for me. I just want to be involved in the big fights again. I will have a little break, lick my wounds and hopefully have another attack on a world title, whichever route that may be."
Crolla, who is looking forward to spending some quality time with his family, revealed he had spoken to his promoter Eddie Hearn in the hours after the fight about his next move.
Hearn said the final decision on where to go next will rest with Crolla and his trainer Joe Gallagher but is confident the popular Mancunian will not be short of options when he makes his ring return.
"There is talk about the Terry Flanagan fight and that could be an option down the line," Hearn said.
"He's not the same level of draw [as Crolla] but he is a [WBO lightweight] champion. We're currently not a champion but there are other options as well.
"Ricky Burns is also unifying the division on April 15. I wouldn't rule out moving up to take on the winner of that fight but I just put the options in front of Anthony and Joe and they will make the decision."
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