The July 18 title fight at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom, between WBA World lightweight champion Darleys Perez (32-1-1, 20 KOs) and WBA #11 ranked Anthony Crolla (29-4-3, 11 KOs) ended in controversy. After 12 rounds of action, the final scores were 116-111 and 113-113 twice. The fight was ruled a majority draw. Perez retained his title, despite being deducted two points for repeated low blows.

Crolla’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, appealed the decision.

WBA Vice President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza immediately ordered an official scoring review of the fight.

The Pod Index conducted the review using 10 anonymous professional judges and their scorecards were compared to the scorecards of the three judges sitting ringside.

As a result of that scoring review, Anthony Crolla has been granted a rematch with WBA World lightweight champion Darleys Perez.

“I cannot tell you how happy I am with this news,” Hearn said. “They’ve gone to a judging panel and got a full analysis of the decisions from those experts. I would like to thank the WBA for making the right decision and the public for all their support of Anthony. I hope Manchester is ready for something special. We are already in negotiations with Perez’s team and we expect to announce the date of the rematch very soon.”

Crolla was no less grateful.

“Huge thank you to @GilberticoWBA @WBABoxing for granting me the rematch,” he tweeted. “”Now I get another chance and I’m more determined than ever.”

The complete fight between Darleys Perez and Anthony Crolla can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqdr_4IvrNw

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.