Crolla Pines For Perez Rematch, Return To Manchester

By Terence Dooley

 

Manchester’s Anthony Crolla hopes that the WBA will call for a rematch between him and Darleys Perez following last Saturday’s majority draw.  

Crolla (29-4-3, 11 early) challenged Perez (32-1-1, 20 KOs) for the WBA lightweight title at the Manchester Arena. Many in attendance thought he was a clear winner, especially after the Colombian titlist had two points deducted for low blows in rounds 11 and 12.  

 

It wasn’t to be, scores of 113-113 (twice) and 116-111 meant that Perez retained his belt. The WBA have stated that they will investigate the scoring and the 28-year-old former British champion hopes that a rematch is ordered for later this year.

 

“It was a really tough fight and there were a lot of close rounds, but I definitely thought I won,” said Crolla when speaking to the Manchester Evening News. 

 

“I'm yet to come across anyone, whether it be on social media or in person, who actually thought Perez had done enough for the title. I'm hoping that they're going to order a rematch and that me and Perez will fight again and we'll bring him back over to Manchester.”

 

It was the former ABA winner’s first fight since he suffered a fractured skull and broken ankle in December after catching two would-be burglars trying to break into his neighbour’s home. 

After a brief foot chase, Crolla managed to grab hold of one of the men only for the other one to hit him over the head with a concrete block.  There were fears that he would not fight again, but those fears were put to bed earlier this year and he performed well against Perez.