In his career best win, popular former titleholder Anthony Crolla outpointed former three division titlist Ricky Burns Saturday at home in Manchester. While the fight was far from a war, it was a pleasing tactical bout fought at a high level. Crolla didn’t dominate the well matched, competitive bout, but he definitely won more rounds.
Ricky Burns (41-7-1, 14 KOs) found his success here when he could from where you’d expect. When the fight was on the outside, he could win the rounds. For the majority of the bout, however, Anthony Crolla (32-6-3, 13 KOs) was able to make it an inside fight. Crolla is simply the better man at that range with his relentless body work and upper cuts. He also got in consistently behind a solid, range closing jab which was very important to his attack.
Still, it was a decent showing from the 34 year old Burns in defeat. He was dropping back down to lightweight here and the Scottish legend looked decent at the weight. He didn’t look past it or shot by any means either, though Crolla’s four year youth advantage may have helped him keep up the pressure a bit. Scores came back 116-113, 116-114, and 117-112, all for Anthony Crolla. I had it 116-112 the same.
Crolla is looking to get back in the world title picture from here. An all Manchester showdown with WBO titlist Terry Flanagan would sure be a ticket seller if Flanagan and his team are interested, but they do seem to be chasing a bigger international contest. Burns could go in a number of directions at two weight classes himself following the loss. A passing of the torch fight with Josh Taylor would be an ideal test for the super prospect, but Taylor has claimed to be disinterested in the idea so we will see there too.
