Crolla and Linares collide on September 24 in Manchester for the former’s WBA belt and the latter’s WBC Diamond title, with the winner assured of a contest with Zlaticanin at some point in the future.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has billed Crolla v Linares as ‘Two Worlds Collide’ – but with many predicting fireworks and an explosive finish, Zlaticanin sees a more tactical battle ensuing when the pair trade blows.
“I think that Anthony Crolla v Jorge Linares is a 50/50 fight and will go to the final bell,” Zlaticanin exclusively told World Boxing News.
“They winner at the end of the fight will be the smarter guy. I think Crolla will try to own the middle of the ring and push Linares back.
“I expect there will be a lot of punches thrown in the fight, but not the knockout.”
He added: “Maybe I will go to the fight and be ringside to see for myself who I will fight but I will see about that with my manager.
Zlaticanin won the green strap when defeating Franklin Mamani in June and is allowed a voluntary defense before opening negotiations with whoever gets their hands raised in England.
“I think I will fight next in the second half of November,” Zlaticanin revealed.
“I can’t wait to get in the ring again and I want a lot of blood in my next fight.”
