The World Boxing Association (WBA) sends its best wishes to former British champion Anthony Crolla, who this weekend completed his farewell fight and formally announced his retirement from the ring.

The Manchester Arena, which was Crolla’s home during his career, was the ideal place to say goodbye to the city idol in a fight against Spaniard Frank Urquiaga whom he defeated via majority decision with the scorecards coming in 97-93, 98-92 and 95-95.

Crolla was a great champion for the WBA and was characterized by his bravery and charisma with which he captivated not only the public of his native country but also transcended the global arena.

In 2015 he defeated Colombian Darleys Perez with a blow to the body to score a great knockout that gave him the lightweight championship. He defended that crown on one occasion against the powerful Venezuelan Ismael Barroso, who he also knocked out with a great body shot.

In addition, he had two fights against Jorge Linares that are remembered as fights where he was very game, never giving up and coming to fight and give excellent performances for all his fans.

The WBA is proud to have had Crolla among its champions and wishes him the best of success in the his future endeavors. Thank you for everything, Anthony.