Former WBA lightweight titleholder Anthony Crolla will return to action on March 31 to face Mexico’s Edson Ramirez on the Anthony Joshua-Joseph Parker undercard at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Crolla, who is rated No. 5 by THE RING at 135 pounds, is coming of a 12-round unanimous decision over former three-weight world titleholder Ricky Burns in October and the 31-year-old technician is eager for more big fights.

“Ricky is a great fighter; he’s achieved so much in the sport, so it was a big win for me to prove that I’ve still got a lot left to give,” said Crolla (32-6-3, 13 knockouts). “I knew if I’d lost to Ricky it would have been a long way back, so winning was huge and it’s given me a boost ahead of a really important year.

“(Promoter) Eddie (Hearn) and I met recently and we outlined a plan to get back to world titles and Cardiff is the first fight in that plan. I need to get another win, then we can look for a big fight in the summer. I’m always mixing at the top level, so I want a test and Ramirez will be well up for it.

Crolla continued, “We’ve had rough talks about a lot of fights. Luke Campbell and I both want to fight for world titles and I don’t think either of us would have a problem in fighting the other, but the goal for us both is to win a world title. We’ll see what happens down the line. I’m not targeting anyone in particular, I just want a world title shot. I’ll take on any of the champions and go anywhere to do it.”

Ramirez (18-2-1, 8 KOs) turned professional in 2012 and this will be a major step up in class.

Limited tickets remain on sale for the event priced at £40, £60, £80, £300 and £600 from www.stubhub.co.uk. For accessibility and wheelchair tickets – please contact the Principality Stadium via 02920 822432.

Official hospitality packages are available to purchase directly from Principality Stadium Experience. Both private suite and premium lounge packages are available to purchase, with prices starting from £450 per person + VAT. For further information please call the team on 02920 822 413.

Official Hospitality packages are also available via Sportsworld via www.sportsworld.co.uk or by calling 0208 9712966

Authorities are strongly advising fans to allow plenty of time to get into both Cardiff and Principality Stadium and to plan their travel before purchasing a ticket. Details can be found via the Information tab at: www.principalitystadium.wales/events/v/joshua-v-parker-2018-03-31

Tom Gray is Associate Editor for THE RING. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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