Skip to content

Crolla vs Burns: The Panel discuss what future holds for loser of Anthony Crolla-Ricky Burns fight

Anthony Crolla, Ricky Burns
Image: Anthony Crolla faces Ricky Burns this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports

Anthony Crolla and Ricky Burns put their careers on the line in a British lightweight battle and The Panel discuss what the future holds for the loser.

The former world champions have agreed to a high-stakes clash this Saturday at Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports, as the winner keeps alive his hopes of another major title fight, while the defeated man could be forced to consider his future in the sport.

Sky Live: Crolla vs Burns
Sky Live: Crolla vs Burns

Anthony Crolla faces Ricky Burns in British battle on a bumper Manchester bill

We asked our panel of experts to give their verdict on what could lie ahead for this weekend's beaten fighter...

Live Fight Night

Tony Bellew

Tony Bellew

I would never suggest it, and it's not my place to say it, but there's really nowhere to go. Both Crolla and Burns are meeting their domestic rival now, which you usually do much earlier on.

It's a bit like me and Nathan Cleverly, in the second one, but he span it a bit, saying that wasn't his weight. Lightweight is really Burns' weight and he wouldn't complain anyway, so the bottom line is, the loser has nothing left to do, or anywhere to go.

Luke Campbell

Luke Campbell

You have to consider your options when you lose. Once you've reached that top level, and then you're not competing at that level, it may be time to go. It sounds harsh, but that's just how it is.

It's Retirement or do you want to be a gatekeeper fighting up-and-coming fighters before they hit world level?

Also See:

The loser retires. Where do they go domestically, when they've been to the heights they've been and then they box at domestic level? It's very hard to motivate yourself to do that.
Johnny Nelson

Kevin Mitchell

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 22:  Ricky Burns (L) in action with Kevin Mitchell during the WBO World Lightweight Championship match at SECC on September 2
Image: Kevin Mitchell battled Burns in 2012, suffering a fourth round stoppage defeat

They have to think about calling it a day. How long do you keep going on for?

I, myself struggled, but these two live the sport. How much more do they have left in them?

Conor Benn

It's hard because Ricky still gives the younger fighters in the gym a pasting - and I am one of them! When you've got an engine and a heart that is driven by the sport, how can you say no to it?

When you've got an engine and a heart that is driven by the sport, how can you say no to it?
Conor Benn

You can say the same about my old man, or someone like Roy Jones Jr. Once that fire is in you, it's very hard to stop it. We will see after this is over, but who knows?

John Murray

Anthony Crolla and John Murray
Image: John Murray was halted in the 10th round of his fight with fellow Mancunian Crolla

They're both getting one last big payday, and as long as they put in a good performance and are happy with it, no one will be able to criticise them for knocking it on the head.

Whoever loses is definitely on the way down. I know personally, you don't want to start getting beat by the guys you were taking care of four or five years ago. I knew my Crolla fight would be my last one if I lost.

Matthew Macklin

They're both coming back from defeat and it's difficult at this stage in their careers when they've already achieved most of their dreams and goals to keep rebuilding and going again.

Whoever loses this, you'd probably say that it is the end of the road, maybe less so for Crolla, but a loss would be a bitter pill to swallow and it would be very hard to come back from. This is all or nothing.
Matthew Macklin

Whoever loses this, you'd probably say that it is the end of the road, maybe less so for Crolla, but a loss would be a bitter pill to swallow and it would be very hard to come back from. This is all or nothing.

Derry Mathews

Derry Mathews and Anthony Crolla
Image: Derry Mathews defeated Crolla in 2012, then was held to a draw in the 2013 rematch

The loser has to have a good think and talk with their team and families to see where they go. I've been in that position where you can't afford to get beat, because they're not stepping stones, they are top fighters and people won't take a chance on them.

If Ricky Burns gets beat because he's done the weight wrong, then maybe he might move back up for a massive fight against Josh Taylor in Scotland.

David Coldwell

Dave Coldwell

They've both had hard careers, they've both had a lot of rounds in their careers, because they aren't massive punchers. I will never say it's time for anyone to hang the gloves up, but I would question their desire.

Starting again, to get back up, will be hard and it's quite possible the loser will call it a day. It's anything but a foregone conclusion, though. I like them both so well, I don't want to see either of them lose, but I would rather see the loser walk away.

Watch Anthony Crolla against Ricky Burns, Sam Eggington face Mohamed Mimoune, Robbie Barrett battle Lewis Ritson and Conor Benn against Nathan Clarke from 7pm on Sky Sports Action.