WBA order Anthony Crolla v Darleys Perez rematch

Anthony Crolla will have another chance to claim the WBA lightweight title, after an immediate rematch was ordered against champion Darleys Perez.

The Manchester-based fighter looked to have captured his first world strap earlier this month against Perez, dominating the first meeting between the pair only for the three judges to rule the fight a draw.

However, Thursday’s news has delighted Crolla.

Crolla’s promoter Eddie Hearn appealed the decision and has been reward after the WBA ordered the pair to fight again for the lightweight championship.

Crolla appeared to have clinched a belt of his own in a close fight at the Manchester Arena as the defending champion Pérez of Colombia was twice docked points for frequent low blows. “Over the last 48-24 hours, I felt that we might get the nod and I just texted him”, said Hearn.

“I’m sure me and Darleys Perez can put on a great fight for the title”. “The people of Manchester and the UK have been incredible and I can’t wait to get back in there and face Perez again”.

The 28-year-old tweeted: “So grateful to have this opportunity given to me with the immediate rematch to fight Darleys Perez for @WBABoxing world title. He hasn’t moaned, he hasn’t sulked and now he has his chance all over again”, said Hearn. I hope Manchester is ready for something special.

“And I think the support that Anthony’s got from Manchester and the British public has been a huge factor in this decision from the WBA”.

“Rather than thinking about what could have been, now it’s about channelling your frustration and desire on a new camp and we’re already in negotiations with Darleys Perez about the date and right now we are looking at a potential date of November 21, back at the same arena”.