Anthony Crolla earns praise of Eddie Hearn, Joe Gallagher and more
Eddie Hearn, Joe Gallagher and more react to Anthony Crolla becoming world champion with a stunning stoppage in front of his adoring fans in Manchester.
The popular 29-year-old completed a remarkable journey to the top of the world with a withering fifth-round body shot that crumpled the Colombian and sent the Manchester Arena wild with celebration.
I'm very proud. When he came to me he'd just lost and he's had his ups and downs but is a shining example to those who've had setbacks. I said we needed the nasty Anthony Crolla and we got that tonight.
Promoter Eddie Hearn
We're going to have a few beers tonight. Manchester is going to celebrate a new world champion. I'm not sure you could meet a nicer man in the world, let alone boxing. Everyone was praying he could deliver and we should all be so proud.
Carl Froch
Perez was very relaxed in there. Almost too relaxed. When that body shot went in, you knew it was over. I predicted Perez to win on points over the distance but Crolla just ended that curse with the crushing body shot.
Amir Khan
I've seen him in the gym training and he was training very hard. With the help from Joe Gallagher and the Smith brothers, I knew he was going to go and do it.
Paul Smith
I didn't expect him to win by knockout to the body like that. He's been strong in the gym but I'll be honest - I just bet on him to win. Nice guys do finish first sometimes and they have done tonight.
But there's someone already plotting your downfall, Anthony...!
Luke Campbell
Luke Campbell says a fight with new world champion Anthony Crolla is on the cards