Anthony Crolla vows to return ‘better than ever’ after losing world title bout as he seeks rematch with Jorge Linares
Million Dollar said: 'It’s the only fight I want' as he tastes defeat at Manchester Arena for the first time
ANTHONY CROLLA vowed to return stronger than ever from the heartbreak of losing his WBA title to Jorge Linares.
The hometown hero had never tasted defeat at the Manchester Arena — a venue he proudly calls “his house” — until colliding with Linares on Saturday night.
Crolla, 29, could not prevent the classy Venezuelan claiming a unanimous points decision to prove he is the world’s No1 lightweight.
But he is determined to settle the score in a rematch next year.
Million Dollar said: “It’s the only fight I want. I’m always looking to improve and I’ll come back a better Anthony Crolla.
“The crowd lift me so much and I really wanted to win for them. I feel like I owe them, so I’ll go away and work hard. I’ll definitely come back stronger.
“I’ll have a little rest up and then get back to work.”
Linares, who also left with the WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine belts, rocked Crolla in the sixth as he was taken the 12-round distance for the first time.
Scores of 115-114 and 115-113 reflected a close fight, while a wide margin of 117-111 in the 31-year-old’s favour was truly baffling.
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Crolla’s trainer Joe Gallagher said: “Anthony will be better for the experience of being in with Linares. He’s no mug and is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.
“I had it close. I don’t know where the 117-111 scorecard came from.
“He’ll come out with the belief that Linares is beatable. The one thing Anthony always does is adapt and improve.”
Crolla added: “He definitely felt a few shots, just like I did in that sixth round. I felt fine but my legs were telling me different.
“I recovered and had one of my strongest rounds next. Credit where credit’s due, he finished strongly.
“I go away hungrier than ever. I just want to learn and keep improving.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the duo would meet again in early 2017. He said: “The rematch was already part of the agreement.
“Anthony’s gutted and that’s the sign of a great champion. All he cares about is winning, which is why I believe he’ll win the rematch.
“Linares has hurt his hand, so I would say February or March. I don’t envisage any problems.”