Manchester hero Crolla granted Perez world title rematch by WBA

Anthony Crolla has been successfully granted an immediate rematch with WBA lightweight world champion Darleys Perez, with the title holder having recently retained his crown in a controversial draw, despite being docked points for several low blows.

The returning Mancunian saw his attempts to become a world champion dramatically dashed as he was contentiously judged to have drawn with Perez earlier this month.

Crolla produced the best performance of his career in a sensational comeback bout against the Colombian world champion in front of a rapturous home crowd, menacingly outgunning Perez over 12 rounds.

Huge thank you to @GilberticoWBA @WBABoxing for granting me the rematch. Sure me and Darleys Perez can put on a great fight for the title

— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) July 30, 2015

Although, having saw the fight bizarrely scored 116-111, 113-113, 113-113, the WBA have ordered an immediate rematch, giving a previously devastated Crolla another chance of capturing the world title, after an appeal from promoter Eddie Hearn.

“[I’m] so grateful to have this opportunity. I’m sure me and Darleys Perez can put on a great fight for the title,” stated Crolla.

The 28-year-old was mesmerising in the ring on his return fight on home soil, having incredibly recovered from being hit by a concrete slab by burglars who had tried to break into a neighbour’s house.

Thanks also to @EddieHearn @MatchroomBoxing team for working so hard on this

— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) July 30, 2015

But the heroic lightweight now has the opportunity to make amends in a rightfully rewarded rematch against the South American world champion, as he aims to finally lift a deserved WBA crown and triumphantly cap off an emotional few months.

“When I heard the news I was honestly close to tears,” continued Crolla of the scores on the night.

“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.”

His promoter Hearn had also previously hinted that the rematch could again take place in Manchester, which could set-up a potentially historic night of British boxing involving a truly courageous home fighter.

“Anthony Crolla should be world champion. He hasn’t moaned, he hasn’t sulked and now he has his chance all over again,” declared Hearn.

“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.”

Meanwhile, this weekend, Luke Campbell will contest Tommy Coyle in an exciting Rumble on the Humber, and is 5/2 with Coral to triumph by points decision. Carson Jones also challenges Brian Rose in an anticipated rematch and is 13/8 to secure victory, while Danny Garcia makes his welterweight debut against Paulie Malignaggi in America.