ORANGE, Calif. (July 18, 2015) – In a bout that perhaps should not have ended the way that it did, WBA Lightweight Champion Darleys Perez (32-1-1, 20 KOs) retained his world title with a draw against Anthony Crolla (29-4-3, 11 KOs) at the Manchester Arena in England on Saturday night.
The Colombian-born Perez, who was fighting in Crolla’s hometown, had one judge score the fight in his favor (114-113), while another had it for Crolla (116-111). The third judge had it even at 113-113.
Perez, however, was deducted one point on two separate occasions for low blows. If not for the deductions, Perez would have won a majority decision.
“It’s unfortunate that the fight ended in a draw, but sometimes that happens in boxing,” said Perez, who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. “I’m going to regroup from this and come back stronger and more determined.”
“We believe Darleys Perez put on an outstanding performance,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He connected with his jab frequently and had his left hook working all night. The draw isn’t a fantastic result, but he keeps the world championship.”
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