Matt Christie interviewed new WBA lightweight king, Anthony Crolla, for this week’s issue.
What do you want to do next? Thereโs a lot going on at lightweight.
A lot will depend on December 12 [when Kevin Mitchell meets Ismael Barroso for the WBA Interim strap]. The winner of that then becomes the mandatory. I have no problem fighting Kev, and even if I did, I wouldnโt have any choice because heโd be my mandatory if he wins and I hope he does it. Whether that will be my next fight in March, or a fight in the summer, I donโt know. But Iโm taking it one fight at a time.
Looking further ahead thereโs a possible unification fight between yourself and your good pal, WBO champion Terry Flanagan โ if he beats Derry Mathews in February. Forgetting about your promotional differences, is that a fight that appeals?
Of course. Like you say, there is a bit of conflict with the promoters but if we could all sit down and sort out the right deal, me and Terry wonโt have a problem with it. Itโs not going to be our next fight but if it makes sense, and it will be huge in Manchester, then itโs certainly something Iโm interested in and Iโm sure Terry is.
TO READ THE FULL, EXCLUSIVE, FOUR-PAGE INTERVIEW, DOWNLOAD THE LATEST EDITION OF BOXING NEWS MAGAZINE HERE