Anthony Crolla has been granted a rematch with Darleys Perez for the WBA World Lightweight champion following their controversial fight in Manchester on July 18.
Crolla produced a superb performance with the Colombian at the Manchester Arena and looked to have landed the belt after Perez had two points deducted for low blows in the latter rounds, only for the fight to be ruled a majority draw much to the dismay of the Manchester man and the packed home crowd.
‘Million Dollar’ now gets an immediate chance to land the crown and both Crolla and his promoter Eddie Hearn expressed their delight at the decision.
“When I heard the news I was honestly close to tears,” said Crolla. “Not getting that decision was hard to take but I was so grateful to even be part of such a great night and no one can ever take those memories away from me. Now I get another chance and I’m more determined than ever. The people of Manchester and the UK have been incredible and I can’t wait to get back in there and face Perez again.”
“I cannot tell you how happy I am with this news,” said Hearn. “Anthony Crolla should be World champion. He hasn’t moaned, he hasn’t sulked and now he has his chance all over again. I would like to thank the WBA for making the right decision and the public for all their support of Anthony. I hope Manchester is ready for something special.
“We are already in negotiations with Perez’s team and we expect to announce the date of the rematch very soon.”
