The hard-hitting Venezuelan southpaw took out Londoner Mitchell in five brutal rounds to claim the interim WBA lightweight title and earn himself a crack at full belt holder Anthony Crolla in the process. Crolla was ringside to witness Barroso announcing himself on the world stage and Cohen now hopes to spark up conversations with promoter Eddie Hearn regarding the mandated contest.
“Although we didn’t get a chance to speak to Eddie Hearn after the fight, I anticipate that Crolla v Barroso would be taking place in the UK,” Cohen told World Boxing News.
“We haven’t even had preliminary discussions yet, but that should happen soon as there was a WBA resolution mandating that the winner of Crolla v Perez fights the winner of Barroso v Mitchell within 120 days.”
Cohen was beaming with pride at Barroso’s performance on such a big stage as the O2 Arena and said once the 32 year-old gets Crolla within range a similar ending to Mitchell’s fate will be certain to unfold for the Manchester man.
“It’s my belief that Ismael will beat any lightweight in the world via knockout,” he predicted.
“That being said, Anthony Crolla is a very good fighter and raised his game to another level against Darleys Perez. Crolla demonstrated one punch KO power of his own with a vicious body short that stopped Perez and I think Anthony will try to execute a similar game plan versus Barroso.
“I’m sure it will be a terrific fight, both guys have waited a long time for their career defining victories and will do everything they can to leave the ring as champion.
“The truth is, I have such belief in Barroso and at this stage of the game I don’t see anyone beating him anytime soon,” added Cohen.
