Wednesday 19 July 2017 09:44, UK
Anthony Crolla says that if a fight with Ricky Burns does materialise, there will be an awful lot on the line and defeat could well spell retirement for the loser.
A fight between the two Brits has been mooted for a while and has escalated on social media in recent days with both fighters welcoming the fight.
The two former world champions are certainly in the twilight years of their career and Crolla admits that facing Burns would be make-or-break for both, one that could even bring about retirement for the loser.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Crolla said: "It's early days in negotiations and I only heard about it when social media started going mad about it last week and it has carried a fair bit of weight since.
"There has been talk of us fighting for years but it never happened and I will know a lot more in the next week when I speak to my team whether we will finally get it on. I'm ticking over in the gym and when a date gets sorted, I'm in a good place to start camp.
"It would be a hugely important fight and it would be a very long way back for the loser and could even bring about retirement. The winner on the other hand would be straight back in the world-title picture - so there's an awful lot riding on this one."
Crolla and Burns are both hugely popular in their home cities of Manchester and Glasgow respectively and 'Million Dollar' is confident that either hometown will bring about a great atmosphere.
"I don't mind where this fight takes place and neither does Burns, whether it is Manchester or Glasgow, you are guaranteed a brilliant atmosphere.
"I know either of us would bring a good travelling party to the other's hometown because this is a great fight."
"Burns fought Julius Indongo last time out and struggled with his style. It's difficult to say whether he has slowed down a bit because Indongo was a very awkward customer and a lot better than anyone anticipated - we will find out in his next outing."
