Anthony Crolla has set his sights on a rematch after losing his WBA lightweight title by unanimous decision against Jorge Linares in Manchester on Saturday night.
Venezuelan Linares produced a classy performance to see off the popular Mancunian, and appeared to be in control throughout despite being taken 12 rounds for the first time in his career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed after the fight that a rematch had already been agreed for next year, and Crolla appeared to rule out a domestic fight against Terry Flanagan in favour of claiming back his title.
He told Sky Sports: "I think it will be Linares next year, in February/March. It was a tough old fight, I'll have a little rest and then we'll do it again.
"I think you saw last night, the attendance and the turn out was amazing and hopefully we'll get something similar if not better after the fight that was put on last night."
Crolla had brief moments of encouragement throughout, landing a right hand in the fifth that cut Linares' right eye, but suffered a crucial blow in the sixth as the challenger landed a big right to leave Crolla struggling.
That punch, Crolla admits, changed the course of the fight.
"I thought I was in control and had him where I wanted him," he said.
"I took that right hand and I felt that it gave him that feeling that he knew he could hurt me, and could do it again. That played a big part in the fight.
"I recovered and won the next round, but I think it was a big point in the fight."
He added: "I took a very good shot and after that, I knew where I was and what I was doing but my legs were trying to tell me different."
Source: PA
