Anthony Crolla will defend his WBA lightweight title against Ismael Barroso at the Manchester Arena on May 7.
The Venezuelan became the mandatory challenger to the belt after he knocked out Kevin Mitchell in December.
"I am under no illusion that this is a tough task but there was no way I was not going to take the fight," said Crolla. "I enjoyed a break since winning the title, but I have been in the gym for a while already and I am in a good place.
"People said I was going to duck him. If I don't fight him I lose my belt, simple. Of course I am going to fight him, I've worked too hard to become World champion to give it away."
Crolla won the belt with a fifth-round stoppage of Darleys Perez in November.
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Danielle Joynson
