The first time that WBA lightweight champion Darleys Perez and fan favorite Anthony Crolla met, this past July, the bout ended in an extremely controversial draw. Many fans thought that Crolla had won the fight, even before two points were deducted from Perez because of low blows. When the draw was announced, the silence of the shocked fans was deafening. Now, Crolla gets an immediate rematch to right what many consider an egregious decision.
Boxing odds at BookMaker.eu
Crolla -125
Perez +100
Please note, the odds listed here may have changed, as BookMaker updates their lines on a daily basis.
THE LEAD-IN
Crolla is getting another shot at the Columbian champ after being robbed in a draw that prompted Amir Khan to tweet “What a joke!”. While Crolla has always been a fan favorite, he’s never truly been considered a world title contender. His most significant wins have come against 4-time world title challenger Michael Brodie, former junior welterweight champion Gavis Rees, and former world title challenger John Murray.
We can’t talk about Crolla without talking about his inspiring story. Just seven months prior to this draw against Perez, Crolla suffered a fractured skull in helping a neighbor who was being burglarized. The criminal cracked him in the head with a concrete slab with a blow that would have killed another man.
Many thought he was lucky to be alive, and the fact that he returned to the ring at all is amazing. It all led to an emotional return to the ring for the fan favorite, and he nearly won the WBA title in front of his hometown fans.
He’s excited and grateful for the opportunity, tweeting: “So grateful to have this opportunity given to me with the immediate rematch to fight Darleys Perez for the 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.”
Perez made his mark by nearly dethroning undefeated WBA interim lightweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa. Two bouts later he handed Argenis Lopez his first loss to win the the belt. He’s made two defenses thus far, beating Jaider Parra and Jonathan Maicelo. The wins gave him the full title of WBA lightweight champ.
The odds at BookMaker.eu are obviously reflecting how close the first fight went. I expect a ton of action to come in on Crolla this week, and this money lines might even reach pick’em status if they haven’t already.
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Given the fact nearly everyone watching thought Crolla beat Perez, even before a two-point deduction, it’s not surprising to see how the Englishman is a favorite at home in this match. However, I think Perez overlooked Crolla slightly the first time around and was surprised by the energy he drew from his comeback and the Manchester crowd.
I think Perez has a much better idea of what to expect, and given that his resume outshines Crolla’s, has the skills to beat him. It’d be a lovely story for Crolla to win at home, but I don’t think the fairytale comes true.
PREDICTION: Perez UD Corolla
HOW TO BET
Check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. Cotto-Alvarez takes place on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. The fight will be televised on AWE live in the United States.
