Anthony Crolla v Ismael Barroso in WBA world lightweight title fight

Anthony Crolla (l) knocked out Darleys Perez to win the WBA lightweight title - his 30th win in 37 fights

Britain's Anthony Crolla will defend his WBA world lightweight title against Ismael Barroso at the Manchester Arena on 7 May.

The 29-year-old won the title by beating Darleys Perez in November, less than a year after fracturing his skull when confronting burglars.

Venezuelan Barroso beat Kevin Mitchell for the interim title in December.

"This is a tough task but there was no way I was not going to take the fight," said Manchester's 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."

Barroso, 33, has won 19 of his 21 fights, drawing the other two.