5 Potential Opponents for WBA Lightweight Champion Anthony Crolla

Anthony Crolla's victory over Ismael Barroso on Saturday was a triumph of substance over style.

The lightweight successfully defended his WBA title by knocking out his mandatory challenger at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

However, Million Dollar had to weather an early storm against the heavy-handed Barroso.

The previously unbeaten Venezuelan tried his best to dethrone the champion in the opening rounds, throwing punch after punch in the hope of forcing a stoppage.

Crolla, though, had been given the perfect plan by his trainer, Joe Gallagher. Tucking his chin into his chest while standing firm in the face of the onslaught, he patiently waited for his opportunity.

Once Barroso had emptied the tank, a body shot finished the bout in Round 7.

So what's next for the impressive Crolla?

Bleacher Report has picked out five potential opponents for the Mancunian, ranking them in order of preference.

Having dealt with mandatory challenger Barroso, Crolla and his team can opt for a voluntary defence next.

There are a number of options to choose from, but how about Petr Petrov?

The experienced Russian (37-4-2, 18 KOs) would tick a few boxes.

Petrov has a clear schedule after beating Marvin Quintero on May 5 in Las Vegas, and he is ranked highly by the WBA, according to FightNews.com.

The 33-year-old also has a decent CV, including going 12 rounds with Dejan Zlaticanin in 2013, eventually losing by unanimous decision on the scorecards.

He also shared a ring with Marcos Maidana in 2011, although that didn't end well. Challenging for the WBA super lightweight belt, Zar was knocked out in Round 4.

Zlaticanin and Emiliano Marsili go toe-to-toe on June 11 for the interim WBC title at 135 pounds.

After Jorge Linares was stripped of the full belt in February (more on him to come), the governing body ordered Zlaticanin (21-0, 14 KOs) to face the next man down in their rankings.

That happens to be Marsili (32-0-1, 14 KOs), a 39-year-old Italian who is a former European champion.

Zlaticanin, who defeated two-weight world champion Ricky Burns on points in June 2014, was last seen stopping the previously unbeaten Ivan Redkach inside four rounds.

The winner of the bout should get to face Linares, whom the WBC declared its champion in recess.

But if there is any delay in that bout, a clash with Crolla could tempt the winner of June's fight at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.

While the Ring magazine may rank Jorge Linares as the best lightweight in the world, the Venezuelan does not hold a world title.

Linares (40-3, 27 KOs) lost his grip on the WBC belt earlier this year despite never stepping into a ring.

Per Dan Rafael of ESPN.co.uk, Golden Boy was stripped of his title in February after a fractured right hand forced him out of a mandatory defence against Zlaticanin.

As Rafael explained in his article, Linares will be allowed to fight for his old strap once he returns to action.

However, the 30-year-old could focus on Crolla instead.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has tempted Linares to England before. In May 2015, Golden Boy travelled to London to face Kevin Mitchell, climbing off the canvas to triumph at the O2 Arena in London.

If Crolla wants to cash in on his success and unify the division, Rances Barthelemy should be in his sights.

Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) is the holder of the IBF title. He is also signed with Premier Boxing Champions, an organisation that has never been afraid to splash the cash.

The 29-year-old became a two-weight world champion when he defeated Denis Shafikov on points in December 2015.

Born in Cuba but based in Las Vegas, Kid Blast is scheduled to defend his belt against former IBF champion Mickey Bey on June 3.

Crolla will be keeping a careful eye on the bout at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida.

The winner would be ideal for later in 2016—even the loser could be an option for a voluntary defence before the turn of the year.

A unification fight between Crolla and WBO champion Terry Flanagan would be huge, and not just for the city of Manchester, England.

The two Mancunians go back a long way, as Flanagan explained to Nick Parkinson of ESPN.co.uk: "Anthony and I are friends, we're from the same area, went to the same school and are world champions in the same weight division. It's unheard of."

When you add in the footballing rivalry—Crolla is a huge Manchester United fan, and Flanagan supports Manchester City—it seems like a dream fight for a promoter.

However, boxing politics may prevent the showdown from ever happening.

Hearn—Crolla's promoter who has a deal with broadcasters Sky Sports—wouldn't be drawn on his man fighting Flanagan in the aftermath on Saturday, per David Anderson of the Mirror.

Flanagan (30-0, 12 KOs), meanwhile, works with Frank Warren, a promoter who owns television channel BoxNation.

Hopefully, agendas between the promoters can be put to one side and the bout can be made. Just don't hold your breath, even though it is the best option out there for both men.

Which fighter should Crolla target next in the lightweight division? Have your say via the comments section.