Frustrated Crolla takes draw on chin

Boxing: MATCHROOM Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has promised Anthony Crolla a world title shot - despite the Chadderton-based lightweight ace having to settle for a frustrating technical draw against Gamaliel Diaz.

Crolla was defending his WBO inter-continental title against experienced former world champion Diaz at the Manchester Arena, but towards the end of the third round a clash of heads left a cut above the Mexican’s eye. Diaz stayed in his corner at the start of the fourth round and referee Ritchie Davies later confirmed the draw as Crolla’s opponent couldn’t continue.

As the fight hadn’t gone four rounds, the judges’ scorecards couldn’t be considered.

But there was encouragement for Crolla after the fight as Hearn said: “We’ll keep working away to get Anthony his world title shot. Hopefully we can get something sorted with WBA world champion Richar Abril soon.”

Crolla was hugely disappointed with the outcome. The Mexican appeared relieved to have escaped Manchester with a draw.

Crolla said: “It’s massively frustrating but it’s just one of those things. I definitely feel Diaz was happy to take that decision at that point in the fight. I could feel him slowing down.”