British Lightweight Anthony Crolla is likely set to face Darleys Perez on November 21st in a Manchester rematch. If you like the sound of that, you might also be pleased to hear Scott Quigg could be stepping up in opposition by facing former pound for pounder Nonito Donaire. If both Brits could land these opponents, and beat them, this could be a huge night for British boxing.
Crolla (29-4-3, 11 KO) and Quigg recently featured on the same July 18th bill, with Crolla and Perez fighting to a dubious draw, and Quigg (31-0-2, 23 KO) annihilating Kiko Martinez inside 2 rounds.
“It doesn’t bother me where it [the fight with Perez] goes but it makes business sense to have it in Manchester,” Crolla told Boxing News. “It was a great crowd in there last time and I believe this time would be even bigger.”
The Mancunian is probably right about that. The fighter, who is ranked highly on UK shores but is yet to capture a world title, also spoke of stablemate Quigg.
“That’s [Quigg-Donaire] one of the fights being spoken about for the bill so it would be great to be headlining alongside Scott again. The two names mentioned for him are [Carl] Frampton and Donaire, they [Matchroom Boxing] are certainly in talks with Donaire’s people.”
And what a fight that would be. Donaire (35-3-0, 23 KO) is a four-weight world champion who isn’t known as the Filipino Flash for being sluggish. His speed and raw power make him a formidable foe, and would pose as Quigg’s toughest opponent to date. Donaire, our #5 Junior Featherweight, seems open to the fight.
“I would definitely be willing to travel there [Manchester],” Donaire recently told Boxing News. “I would love to visit the UK and the area and have a good time at the same time as doing my job. That’s what I’m here for, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, just make the fight happen.”
If Quigg vs Donaire were to materialize, Quigg would be making the 7th defense of his WBA (Regular) Junior Featherweight title. But is Quigg ready to take on a dangerous, experienced fighter like Donaire – especially before a blockbuster with Frampton is made?
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