Anthony Crolla wants Ricky Burns shot

Manchester lightweight Anthony Crolla is hoping that victory over Gavin Rees next month, could earn him a shot at WBO champion Ricky Burns.

The 26-year-old will face former world champion Rees in Bolton on June 29.

The fight is for the WBO intercontinental title and Crolla hopes that it can serve as a world title eliminator, but insists he won't look past Rees.

"This is for the WBO intercontinental title so that gives the winner a ranking," Crolla told World Boxing News. "Some people are saying this fight could serve as a world title eliminator.

"Obviously Ricky Burns has got the WBO title so hopefully I can get a shot if I beat Gavin Rees.

"That doesn't mean I'm looking past Rees though. He's a fighter I really rate and someone I have the utmost respect for."

Crolla comes into the fight on the back of a draw with Derry Matthews, while Rees was comprehensively beaten by WBC champion Adrien Broner in his last fight.