‘Turbo’ is preparing to defend his title belt against Petr Petrov in April and will know by that time whether an encounter with Crolla is on the cards as ‘Million Dollar’ bids for revenge opposite Linares on March 25 at Manchester Arena.
“It should be another good fight as the first one was close. It could be a completely different fight this time but I hope Crolla can do the business,” Flanagan exclusively told World Boxing News.
“It’s not a given for Linares and won’t be as easy as people think. As in the first fight, I had Crolla running away with it until he got hurt. Linares was the one tiring, but that seemed to give him a new lease of life and he’s obviously favourite going into the second fight.”
On a possible meeting with Crolla, he added: “If he loses, I’ll be looking for the unification fights. The likes of Mikey Garcia, Robert Easter and then Linares if he beats Crolla. If Anthony doesn’t win then I don’t see the fight happening.”
Flanagan is eyeing an extension to his own impressive undefeated record on April 8 at the same venue as Petrov comes to town with ambitions of ending the 27 year-old’s 32-0 run in the pro ranks.
Despite harbouring desires to fight all the other world title holders, Flanagan believes Petrov is the next best thing and will be a dangerous opponent for his fifth defence of the 135 pound championship.
“It’s a tough fight against Petrov. He’s probably the next best in the division that hasn’t got a world title,” Flanagan pointed out. “I’ve watched him and he’s a good combination puncher, is bigger and looks like he can whack a bit.”
A North-West super-fight between Flanagan and Crolla hangs in the balance for the next few weeks, whilst the mouth-watering match-up will then be up to promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren to agree should the pair be successful in the spring.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
