Anthony Crolla has been granted an immediate rematch against Darleys Perez after battling to a contentious draw with the WBA lightweight champion earlier this month.
The Mancunian produced a career-best performance against Perez at the Manchester Arena and most observers thought he had done enough to take the title after the Colombian was deducted two points for lows blow in the later rounds.
One judge scored the bout 116-111 in favour of Crolla and the two others called it a 113-113 draw, but the WBA have ordered Perez to face the British fighter again after promoter Eddie Hearn appealed the decision.
Hearn told Sky Sports. “You’re always hopeful but in the back of your mind you are thinking ‘will it fall on deaf ears?’
“I spoke to the WBA president Gilberto Mendoza and he watched the fight and felt that Crolla won the fight convincingly as well.
“We put an official request and complaint in to the WBA. The British Boxing Board of Control also backed us and wrote to the WBA and said how we feel that the decision is wrong. They went through the official process and came back in the early hours of this morning, stating that Darleys Perez must rematch Anthony Crolla.”
Hearn passed the news on to a delighted Crolla and has already started talks about staging the second fight back at the Manchester Arena on November 21.
“He is over the moon. Over the last 48-24 hours, I felt that we might get the nod and I just texted him,” said Hearn.
“He’s getting on a plane and is absolutely delighted. It doesn’t take away the fact that he should still be world champion right now, but obviously now he’s got something that he can focus his mind on.
“Rather than thinking about what could have been, now it’s about channelling your frustration and desire on a new camp and we’re already in negotiations with Darleys Perez about the date and right now we are looking at a potential date of November 21st, back at the same arena.
“We’ve just got to get that agreed with them. Then Anthony’s next fight will be against Darleys Perez for the WBA world lightweight title.”
Crolla has welcomed the WBA's decision on social media and hopes to produce another memorable performance in front of his hometown fans.
He tweeted: "So grateful to have this opportunity given to me with the immediate rematch to fight Darleys Perez for @WBABoxing world title. Last time was a special night and I believe with the support of the people of Manchester and Britain it will be even more special.
"Huge thank you to @GilberticoWBA @WBABoxing for granting me the rematch. Sure me and Darleys Perez can put on a great fight for the title.
"Thanks also to @EddieHearn @MatchroomBoxing team for working so hard on this."