Anthony Crolla stunned by controversial draw decision

In previous interviews, the Colombian-born Perez has shown confidence in retaining his world championship, while at the same time paying compliments to Crolla, calling him “Britain’s best lightweight”.

But the judges had other ideas, with the three cards showing a 114-113 win for Perez, 116-111 to Crolla and finally a 113-113 draw.

Crolla’s first world title fight came just seven months after he had been hospitalised by a brutal street attack by two burglars he had chased off from a neighbours house.

Crolla heads to the MEN Arenaon Saturday night backed by a loud contingent of Mancunians – not all of whom share his love of Manchester United but who will back him to the hilt – and he reckons he is a worthy challenger.

Decisively, Perez strayed low and a handful of occasions, and despite being warned by referee Howard Foster, repeatedly caught Crolla below the belt and was eventually deducted points in the eleventh and twelfth rounds.

Crolla’s fitness proved to be an important factor in the second half, and he continued to hound his opponent with neat industry on his jab.

Quigg’s WBA World Super Bantamweight defence against Martinez comes before Crolla’s fight and while the unbeaten Bury star knows it’s the hardest fight of his career, he is desperate for his mate to land the World title after him.

The message did not get through and Perez was docked a point in round 11 and another in the next, seemingly putting Crolla’s success beyond doubt.

“I’m devastated, I’m not going to lie”, he said. “I thought I’d definitely done enough”, he said.

“It was great for my confidence and my preparations and I embraced it”. “I think I’m a bit numb by it, that we haven’t got 2 WBA world titles in the changing room – but, I don’t know…”

“Crolla was just sharpening up ahead of Saturday’s fight”. Those are fights where Crolla would have no chance at all of winning.

Anthony Crolla performed his second miracle in the eyes of everyone except two of the judges of his first world title fight.

“Some people will be attending their first boxing event because of that and I hope they enjoy it and have a great night”.

“Ive already sent an email to Gilberto Mendoza of the WBA.

Scott Quigg got his best win today, while Anthony Crolla appeared to have done so only for the scores to yank it away.

“Stylistically, Perez and Abril are very different, and styles make fights”.

“I’m saying now that he will get another shot at the title, and the plusses for Anthony now, in spite of the result, are that he proved he is a world class fighter against Perez, and that next time, he’ll be able to sell out the Manchester Arena himself”.