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Home » Exclusive: GBP’s Robert Diaz says Linares v Crolla 2 decision after hand evaluation

Exclusive: GBP’s Robert Diaz says Linares v Crolla 2 decision after hand evaluation

Linares showed tremendous skill and guile to take a twelve round victory over Crolla in Manchester on Saturday night to claim the WBC Diamond title and the mantle of best lightweight on the planet.

Due to the nature of the fight and its entertainment value, a rematch clause inserted by Eddie Hearn is set to be exercised, although when quizzed on the subject, Diaz didn’t seem to think it was as straightforward as the Matchroom boss.

“At this time, both fighters will take a break which is well deserved as they gave us a treat,” Diaz exclusively told World Boxing News.

“As of now, Jorge has a mandatory with the WBC against Dejan Zlaticanin, but of course we will be sitting down as a team to make the decision once he has rested.

“Jorge will be seeing the doctor for the hand injury he suffered against Crolla.”

Aksed about Zlaticanin’s comments to WBN this week that he’s chasing a fight with Mikey Garcia instead, Diaz replied: “I really don’t know what is happening with Zlaticanin as I continue to read that they are working on that fight.

“At this time I need to see what the doctor says regarding Linares’ hand and we can take it from there,” he added.

Linares v Crolla 2, potentially in the United States early next year – or even back in the UK, would have massive appeal on both sides of the Atlantic – with the winner then set to take on whoever comes out on top between Zlaticanin and Garcia – another eye-catching fight on paper.

All obviously depends on a final agreement between the four parties for both contests – but there’s no denying the intensity surrounding the 135-poundnd division right now – which Linares proudly sits on top of following a stellar triumph.