Wednesday 1 July 2015 17:36, UK
WBC world lightweight champion Jorge Linares may hand Kevin Mitchell a rematch - but his camp say it will have to take place in Venezuela.
Linares, 29, and 30-year-old Mitchell produced a thriller at the O2 Arena on May 30 - Mitchell knocking the champion down in the fifth before succumbing to an ugly eye injury in the 10th with Linares in the ascendancy.
Having lost his third bid for a world title, Londoner Mitchell (39-3-0-KO29) immediately made clear his desire to face Linares (39-3-0-KO26) again but it now seems the Venezuelan is committed to making his next defence on home soil.
Linares' representative Jose Machek said: "A contract in which Jorge is committed to make his next defense here in Venezuela was signed.
"It could be in October, possibly on Saturday 17, but that will be determined later. We have also signed an agreement that extends the image rights and representation of our champion in this country.
"We thought we could take on this challenge, for the country and Venezuelan boxing to mount a defense with a Venezuelan champion such as Jorge Linares, who also wishes to defend here.
"We promise will be a great show, as we have shown in the four events we have organized to date.
"It could be a rematch with Britain's Kevin Mitchell, or a fight with the Colombian Darleys Perez if he wins in his next match. If he does, then we would be talking about a unified WBA-WBC titles."
It could be a rematch with Britain's Kevin Mitchell, or a fight with the Colombian Darleys Perez if he wins in his next match.
Mitchell said in the wake of the defeat: "I've spoken to Eddie Hearn and my trainer Tony Sims, my manager, and he said there's a good chance that we'll get it back on.
"I haven't got a clue about the dates but all I know is they’re up for the rematch."
Perez currently holds the WBA lightweight crown but risks it when he faces Anthony Crolla in Manchester on July 18, live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm.
