Anthony Crolla has lost his title to Jorge Linares. The boxer lost the WBA lightweight title, at the Manchester Arena.
The 29-year-old British boxer was defending his WBA belt, which he won from Perez for the third time.
Two judges thought the fight was close, awarding it 115-114 and 115-113 to Linares, while the third judge had the challenger winning 117-111.
Linares immediately offered Crolla a rematch, while the Manchester boxer’s promoter left the crowd in little doubt that the two men would do it again.
“I am deeply disappointed. I have no complaints, but I am sorry I couldn’t do it for this crowd,” Crolla told Radio 5 live.
“He’s the best man I’ve ever been in a ring with, he’s very fast and sharp and it was a pleasure to be in there with him.
“I gave it everything, it wasn’t through a lack of trying, the difference was I took one or two hard counter-shots, which I was warned about by my team, and I paid the price.
“I am gutted, it’s heart-breaking to lose the belt, but I will come back from this.”
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