At the Manchester Arena last night, Anthony Crolla proved that dreams do come true.
After going so close to winning the WBA world lightweight title against Darley?s Perez, back in July, Crolla was hoping to extract revenge against Darley?s Perez, of Colombia, last night.
However, whilst many were hoping that Crolla could get the win, nobody suspected that Crolla would win in the manner in which he did.
In a fight whereby the opening four rounds were close, with both boxers going toe-to-toe and exchanging blows, Crolla unleashed a wicked body-shot that saw Perez collapse, in pain, to the canvas.
The look Perez gave his corner as he went down suggested he was in trouble and the Colombian never looked like beating the count.
As soon as the count reached ten the Manchester Arena erupted in a wall of noise saluting the fact that Anthony ?Million Dollar? Crolla, a fighter that had captivated the hearts of the nation following his encounter with burglars, was now a world champion.
Talking about what he had just achieved, after the fight, Crolla had this to say,
‘It is an amazing feeling, it is a dream come true, now I just want many more nights like this in Manchester.
‘I’ve dreamed this dream since I was 10. I didn’t know it was going to be this good. It is better than I ever dreamed it would be.
‘I was very confident I would get him out of there.
‘I thought it would have been a head shot. I touched him with a right hand and sunk him with a left.
‘After the first fight I went away and worked hard with the team, we have worked so hard in the gym. I just have to thank the team around me. Joe [Gallagher, trainer] has turned my career around and so many people had given up on me.
‘I have come to this arena since I was 10 watching Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. To do it here is what I dreamed of.’
Here at Vital Boxing, we salute you Anthony Crolla, you have put a huge smile on everyone?s face, proving sometimes the good guy does win.
Crolla Stops Perez in Five Rounds
