According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBA Lightweight champion Darleys Perez is ordered to rematch Anthony Crolla following their draw that took place on July 18.
“When I heard the news, I was honestly close to tears,” Crolla said of finding out the rematch had been ordered. “Not getting that decision was hard to take, but I was so grateful to even be part of such a great night, and no one can ever take those memories away from me. Now I get another chance, and I’m more determined than ever. The people of Manchester and the U.K. have been incredible, and I can’t wait to get back in there and face Perez again.”
Crolla promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing is in talks with Perez co-promoter Gary Shaw to make a deal for the rematch, which is expected to take place before the end of the year and again be in England.
“I cannot tell you how happy I am with this news,” Hearn said. “Anthony Crolla should be world champion. He hasn’t moaned, he hasn’t sulked and now he has his chance all over again. 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.”
Shaw said he expects to make a deal with Hearn and avoid a purse but added: “I’d prefer not to have to do a rematch. I like when we win and walk out as the winner. The judges said it was a draw and the WBA ordered a rematch. I don’t run the WBA, so I have to live by their rules.
“But I believe we won the first fight and I believe we will win the rematch, even though I’m not thrilled we have to do it again and it will probably be in England again. Part of the deal — and I will talk to Eddie about this — is that there cannot be an English referee. All of the officials, the referee and judges, have to be neutral.”
