Lightweight World Title Rematch Set For March
Twelve rounds wasn't enough to settle things between WBA lightweight world champion Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn announced that both men will engage in a rematch on March 25 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Hearn told ESPN the first fight between the two was spectacular and a rematch was a no-brainer. Hearn also said the Manchester Arena, a venue Crolla has experience boxing at, was an easy place for the fight to be held.
"The last fight was a fight of the year contender and Linares boxed out of his skin, but one thing we know about Anthony is his ability to bounce back, and he is so determined to win this fight," Hearn said. "He has created some wonderful atmospheres at the Manchester Arena over the last few years and I believe March 25 will be the best yet."
The first fight, also set at the Manchester Arena, saw Linares defeat Crolla via unanimous decision on September 24 to win the WBA and The Ring lightweight titles. The win gave Linares a world title in his third weight class, having won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight earlier in his career.
For Crolla, the loss snapped a 10-fight unbeaten streak, a run that saw him win the English lightweight title, the WBO Intercontinental lightweight title and the WBA title.
