Date: 20th April 2014 at 12:01pm
Written by:

The Phones4U Arena, in Manchester witnessed a thrilling WBO inter-continental lightweight title fight last night when the champion, Anthony Crolla, faced the dangerous John Murray.

Murray having previously been a world title contender, losing to the WBA champion Brandon Rios back in 2011, was expected to give Crolla a huge test and entered the ring as the slight favourite.

The challenger got off to a quick start trying to catch Crolla with some heavy punches but Crolla was boxing smartly, keeping his distance and working behind the jab, but slowly Murray began to feel the pace of the fight and Crolla, impressively, strode forward to start backing Murray up.

As we entered the 10th round Murray looked to be badly tiring and was heavily marked up under one eye. The end was to come when some more impressive work from Crolla floored Murray and although the fighter did well to get on his feet the fight was stopped moments later when Crolla had Murray in more trouble.

In wining Crolla answered his critics and his slick boxing skills auger well for the future.