Crolla has the world at his feet

BOXING: BIG-time promoter Eddie Hearn admitted Anthony 'Million Dollar' Crolla is now set to surge into world title contention after winning an epic Battle of Manchester on Saturday night.

Chadderton-based Crolla eventually stopped former sparring partner and friend John Murray towards the end of the tenth round in front of almost 8,000 captivated fans at the Manchester Arena.

The fight had divided the city in the build-up, but 27-year-old Crolla, who Hearn also believes is the new 'David Beckham of British boxing', wore down former world title contender Murray after looking the slicker and more precise puncher, and it was no surprise when referee Terry O'Connor was forced to intervene.

Now, after retaining the WBO inter-continental lightweight title, Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn has bigger plans for his classy charge.

Hearn said: "Anthony needs a world title shot now after that. His trainer Joe Gallagher has been banging the drum on his behalf for a long time, but I always felt he needed a real high-profile win.

"He got that. Putting him in with Murray in front of a packed Manchester crowd was always going to be a fight that could really ignite his career, and I think it will. Anthony has surpassed domestic level now. As his promoter I'll be getting on the phone this week and we'll see what transpires."

Crolla said: "It was a great night for me, but it was a tough fight. I've proved a lot of doubters wrong now, though. I know I'm capable of moving in world title circles, so it's up to Eddie, the man with a plan, to see what he can do now."