Relive Crolla, Quigg and Frampton fights

1. Anthony Crolla draws fight with Darleys Perez WBA lightweight champion
2. Briton loses out on taking WBA lightweight title seven months after a brutal attack
3. Carl Frampton beats Alejandro Gonzalez Jr to retain IBF super-bantamweight crown
4. Scott Quigg beats Kiko Martinez in second round to defend WBA super-bantamweight title

Thanks and goodbye

So that brings an end to our coverage tonight. And what a night it has been. Scott Quigg destroyed Kiko Martinez inside two rounds to keep his WBA super-bantamweight belt before Carl Frampton was knocked down twice in the first round but recovered to retain his IBF super-bantamweight title on points.

But there was disappointment for Anthony Crolla as his bid for the WBA lightweight title ends in a heartbreaking draw, even though his opponent Darleys Perez had two points deducted for low blows.

Thank you for all your comments. We will leave it there. Visit our boxing page for more reaction and the fight report. Bye for now.

PA

So there is to be no fairytale ending to an incredible story. Not yet anyway.

Anthony Crolla, fighting less than eight months after suffering a fractured skull and a broken ankle, put in the fight of his life, on the night of his life.

To judge the fight a draw is going to be a decision that will be talked about for a long, long time to come. Surely, they have to do it all again. Surely, Crolla will get another chance to win the world title he so desperately craves.

'A great effort'

'A draw is not crazy'

Current WBO world middleweight champion Andy Lee thinks the judges' decisions may not have been as bad as what some of you have said.

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Paul Mulligan: Not sure what just happened in Manchester. How can one judge score it 116-111 for Crolla and the other two see it so differently?

Michael Sexton: That's not just robbery, that's damn right criminal. That was never a win for Perez without the points deduction.

Conor Spencer: Well that result is pure rubbish! Crolla won that in any minute of any hour of any day.

'Crolla is a hero'

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter.

'Crolla deserves a rematch'

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's a golden era for British boxing and we could have had another world champion there. I am pretty sure Crolla will get a rematch - he deserves it - although Perez probably won't want to grant it."

PA

BBC Radio 5 live

Anthony Crolla on Radio 5 live: "I thought I had done enough to win. I thought the deductions swayed it for me.

Lawrence Lustig

"I had to dig deep and do the crowd proud. I will only come back stronger. I am just going to get better and better."

'Anthony deserves a medal'

Promoter Eddie Hearn: "I am devastated. It was a close fight but I felt he won the fight without the deductions. People don't realise the sacrifices people make and Anthony deserves a medal for even getting back into the ring."

BBC 5 Live

'Shocking decision'

Twenty-time jump jockey champion AP McCoy is certainly not impressed by the scoring.

'Amazing Crolla performance'

'Heart-breaking end to the fairytale'

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"This is the bad part of boxing. For me Anthony has not had a fair rub of the green here tonight.

"But one thing we will say here is that Crolla is on the world scene because that was a world-class display against a world-class fighter.

"It's heart-breaking because he got to the end of the fairytale but the door was closed just as he got to the sunlight."

Crolla's trainer Joe Gallagher said: "I thought Anthony had won it by two rounds. I'm very proud of him. The people of Manchester that came out to support him were fantastic. But it is a bit disappointing and it has put a dampener on the evening. I should have two world champions this evening."

Anthony Crolla added: "I'm only going to get better. When this opportunity came I was never going to give it up. But I promise everyone that I will win the world title."

Some quotes from Anthony Crolla, whose world title hopes have been dashed as it ends in a draw against Darleys Perez: "I thought I had done enough to be a world champion," said Crolla. "Perez is a great fighter and I'm sure the Manchester crowd want to see him back again and we can go again.

"I'm bitterly disappointed that I have not got the title to go back home with me. I'm not one to cry but I did get caught low a number of times."

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Perez has had two points taken off him in a really tight fight. For me that sways it."

DRAW

Despite having two points deducted, Colombian Darleys Perez keeps hold of his title as it ends in a draw. The judges scores are 114-113 to Perez, 116-111 to Crolla and 113-113.

@bbcradiomanc

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Crolla is exhausted. All that's carrying his legs is adrenaline. The vibes are not good. Promoter Eddie Hearn is shaking his head."

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Wait for it people because its gonna come #AndTheNew World Lightweight champion from Manchester England @ant_crolla #TakeABowSon

What a performance. Anthony Crolla's fans jump up at the end. Joe Gallagher lifts him up on to his shoulders. They think he has won. But we don't know yet. We go to the judges' scorecards.

@bbcradiomanc

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"Biggest round of Crolla's boxing career coming up here! Let's do it."

Lawrence Lustig

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Crolla just needs to see this round out and he is world champion."

Another low blow from Perez. Another point off for the Colombian.

@bbcradiomanc

Crolla's trainer Joe Gallagher shouts at Crolla. It is great stuff. He says: "You go out and win the round and you are world champion. Lose the round and you don't win the title. It is that close. There is one round in it. Nothing reckless, nothing silly."

Jonathan Overend

Commentator on BBC Radio 5 live

"That low blow, and point reduction, could be crucial and could result in Crolla becoming world champion."

Darleys Perez is forced back on to the ropes as Crolla tries to muster up every ounce of energy to pound the body shots. He then gets punched, not for the first time, in, let's just say a painful area.

Perez gets a point deducted for repeated low blows. Is that going to be crucial?

Lawrence Lustig

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Brilliant round from Crolla. That has levelled it, and he might even be ahead. Perez is going on the back foot waiting for mistakes but Crolla is the busier fighter and the busier fighter will always get given the round at this stage."

'A man possessed'

Former England footballer Trevor Sinclair is loving the action from the Manchester Arena.

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There are boos from the Manchester crowd as referee Howard Foster sends both fighters to separate corners, ticking them off for low blows. Some good work early in the round from Perez may have caught the judges' eyes. Two rounds left. Who is winning this one? It is so so close.

Quigg fight is 'a distinct possibility' - McGuigan

After Carl Frampton's rival Scott Quigg won inside two rounds earlier tonight, it was inevitable that Barry McGuigan was going to be asked about a future match-up between the pair.

Press Eye

McGuigan didn't give too much away but said they will evaluate the situation at a later date.

"It's a distinct possibility," McGuigan said.

"But there's weight issues involved as Carl had to lose a considerable amount for this fight and we may move him to featherweight. Carl needs a rest and then we'll sit down and look at what we need to do."

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Crolla needs to maintain the same pace for the next three rounds. Perez doesn't look like the world champion, he's tired and is feeling the pace."

PA

What energy from Crolla. A four-punch unanswered combination, ending with a shot to the head of Perez leaves the Colombian to go for a wild swing, nearly losing his balance as he does so.

The world champion is going to have to dig deep in the last three rounds. But, whatever happens, boy has he been in a fight. He has not had a moment to breathe and relax throughout the first nine rounds.

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It's been a great fight, nip and tuck. You could have Crolla quite a bit ahead, or Perez quite a bit ahead. It depends on what you like and are looking for as a judge but I think Perez might be up by one round.

"I'm losing my marbles here, it's like watching my brother fight."

Lawrence Lustig

Crolla has a small cut underneath his right eye but it does not seem too bad, although he does get caught by a well-timed uppercut from Perez. How much does Crolla have left in the tank? He has put in a great effort, constantly working in every round. But has he got the stamina to end strongly?

'I was shocked but I got the win'

Carl Frampton sounded relieved when he spoke to ITV Sport after he retained his IBF title in El-Paso, Texas.

The Northern Irishman was knocked down twice in the opening round and said he was disappointed with his performance.

"I was just shocked at what happened - that's never happened before," said Frampton. "My legs went stiff and I couldn't use my toes for a while, but it was a flash knockdown, I came back and I won.

"The performance wasn't great and I really wanted another knock out but I'll take the win."

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"That was another really close round to score. Perez's corner are starting to panic and asking him to come forward, but they don't like him on the front foot.

"Perez is tiring. He didn't think the fight would be this hard. Crolla is taking a little breather here. I'm guessing that was his lull in the fight. I think he'll take the fight up this round. He will not tire."

It is relentless, high energy from Crolla and it is working. Perez gets a ticking off from Howard Foster for appearing to lead with the head. He doesn't want a point taken off. Every point could be crucial.

@bbcradiomanc

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Paul Mulligan: Sounds like Frampton really struggled to make the weight tonight - clearly impacted preparations. Could jeopardise a Quigg fight.

Rob Oliver: Win or lose tonight, I have more respect for a bloke who stood up to thugs than any world champion, Crolla is already a champion in my eyes.

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

PA

"That was Crolla's round. He's pushing Perez back and the champion wasn't expecting that. Perez is not able to dictate the pace of the fight and will be in shock in that corner. "

A good right hand from Perez and Crolla is not getting it all his way. The Colombian sticks his tongue out in defiance and then promptly gets hit by a couple of body shots. Mind games from the away fighter?

A straight left from Crolla then finds its target before an accidental clash of heads sees Perez look for a much-needed breather. But it is a tight contest. This one could be going all the way.

@bbcradiomanc

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Crolla has cut Perez on the right eye. I'm not sure how big it is - it could be a scratch, but I'm pretty sure Crolla has caught him."

Dave McAuley

Former IBF flyweight champion on BBC Radio Ulster

"Carl won the fight, but it was a bit disappointing. It was not his best performance but he did what he had to do and retained his title. Gonzalez deserves a lot of credit - he showed a lot of grit, determination and skill."

"Keep him working all the time," says Crolla's trainer Joe Gallagher. Perez tries the macho approach by urging Crolla to come and attack him, and the Colombian looks dangerous on the counter-attack. A lovely left to the head from Crolla ends the round in style.

Lawrence Lustig

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Perez is looking for the right uppercut through the gloves and it seems a big, big danger for me. Crolla employs a peekaboo defence with high gloves, which block a lot of hooks but don't stop uppercuts, and the trouble is you don't see them coming. Apart from that, though, Crolla is pressing forward."

More success from an overhand right from Crolla, which came straight after a left to the body. Perez is having to resort to plan B and promptly takes a jab to the whiskers. Another tight one, which Crolla, showing a greater variety of punches, may have taken.

@bbcradiomanc

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was Crolla's round to me too. If he can continue to push Perez back he wins this fight."

Some good work in the middle of the third from the Briton, utilising his jab to good effect. He probably does enough to edge a tight round. It is a focused and disciplined performance so far from the challenger.

@bbcradiomanc

FRAMPTON RETAINS IBF WORLD TITLE

Belfast's Carl Frampton retains his IBF world super-bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory in El-Paso, Texas.

After 12 rounds, two of the judges at ringside gave the bout to Frampton by 116-108, while the third judge scored it 115-109.

Frampton ends the contest in confident fashion as he charged forward and barraged his opponent with lightning quick combinations.

Barry McGuigan screams from ringside, ordering his fighter to stay calm and box Gonzalez's head off.

The IBF world champion recomposes himself and knocks back the head of his opponent with short consistent jabs before hearing the final bell. We now await the judge's scorecards.

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Crolla was losing the round until that great punch over the top. It hurt because Perez was trying to hold on. We didn't anticipate this in this fight - that Crolla could hurt Perez."

Lawrence Lustig

Trainer Joe Gallagher wants Anthony Crolla to be "a bit more adventurous" in the second round. A tasty uppercut and a double left hook is too quick for Crolla, whose head is rocked back. The Colombian has only lost once in 33 fights.

But Crolla lands an overhand, looping right towards the end of the second. It is a great shot and Perez's legs are like jelly for a few seconds, but he survives the round.

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It's really hard to score that round but Crolla has to be the one pressing a bit more as the home fighter but there was nothing much in it. In reality I think that's Perez's round because he's the champion, but Crolla made a positive start."

We're into the championship rounds and every mistake at this point could prove costly.

And unfortunately for Gonzalez, he may have given away a valuable point after the referee takes it away from him after another sneaky low blow.

The home fans have not stopped cheering for Crolla, an early left hook bounces off Perez's gloves but forces the Colombian back. Crolla is bouncing around, full of energy.

He looks lively and athletic. It is hard to believe his skull was fractured and his ankle was broken in two places only seven months ago.

Lawrence Lustig

Tiredness is starting to tell in Texas. Both fighters are desperately trying to find the target but are swinging at nothing but air.

The pair trade jabs in the centre of the ring but Frampton may have nicked that one with a few gut busting body shots.

Another 'Let's get ready to rumblllllleeee' from Michael Buffer gets an already extremely excited Manchester Arena crowd even more pumped up.

This is the biggest night of Anthony Crolla's life. Is he going to rise to the occasion, or will he get carried away in the emotion of it all?

At the weigh-in, Crolla said he would remain focused and could not afford any mistakes. Referee Howard Foster calls the fighters together. A touch of the gloves and we are ready to go.

Gonzalez Jr. springs back into life as his dangerous left hook finds Frampton's chin.

But Frampton remains relaxed as he counters every mistake made by the 22-year-old with a hard right. Whoever produces the best work in the last three rounds may be the winner in this fight.

What a night of boxing so far. Frampton is recovering after a huge scare early on, while his rival Scott Quigg has successfully defended his WBA super-bantamweight title. Can his training partner Anthony Crolla claim his own world title? It is national anthems time in Manchester.

Frampton is slowly draining the life out of Gonzalez with every punch as the pace of the fight slows down.

The two fighters meet in the centre of the ring to exchange body blows and referee Mark Ca-loy breaks them up to give them the orders about low blows.

Frampton follows with a strong left-right combination to comfortably win the round.

This is the moment Anthony Crolla has been waiting for all of his life. The lights go down at the Manchester Arena, before the spotlights come out flashing around the crowd. Crolla kisses his gloves as he walks to the arena. As he has had throughout the build-up this week, he has a big smile on his face.

Getty Images

He then wants some more noise from the crowd, acting like a one-man cheerleader. The crowd respond with even more noise than before. A sensational atmosphere at the Manchester Arena.

Crolla v Perez: Head to Head

BBC Sport

Mexicans have a reputation for being durable in the boxing game and Gonzalez Jr. is doing his country proud by keeping up that tradition.

He tastes a flurry of punches from Frampton and keeps coming back for more, looking to utilise the left hook that rocked the champion in the opening round.

However, Frampton is starting to take over this fight.

If ever there was a time for the Rocky anthem it is today. Both Anthony Crolla and Darleys Perez have overcome adversity.

As we wait for the fighters to enter the arena, a crowd, expected to be about 15,000, are treated to the Rocky anthem.

From the Colombia slums to the world title

Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Anthony Crolla's opponent Darleys Perez has also had an incredible journey to the top of boxing.

From growing up poor in a Colombia town and not being unable to afford footwear to train in to representing his country in the Olympics and winning a world title.

But the story has not come without heartbreak. His brother was killed after he joined the paramilitaries that controlled the area with Perez opting to turn his back on that lifestyle.

Our feature on Perez is well worth a read. You won't regret it.

Former IBF light-welterweight champion and WBA welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi writes on Twitter..

Frampton opens the round with a big right to put Gonzalez on the back foot as we reach the halfway point in Texas.

The tables are starting to turn in Frampton's favour after a shaky start from Belfast's hero. He is taking his time, waiting for his opponent to make a mistake and then launching a vicious attack.

A clear win for Frampton in that round.

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Paul Mulligan: Frampton starting to restore parity on the judges cards but this is going to be close. Classic in the making in El Paso.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcboxing on the Frampton and Crolla fights as well as Scott Quigg's stunning victory.

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I trained with Crolla for two years and he is the nicest guy in boxing. If anything he's too nice to box, he's that kind of guy."

'A fractured skull is the worst thing for a fighter'

After suffering a fractured skull and a broken ankle in December, some people suggested Anthony Crolla should have had a warm-up fight before fighting for the world title.

But promoter Eddie Hearn believes the time is right for Crolla.

Lawrence Lustig

"He is ready for this, he's a tough guy and has shown that by coming back from what he's been through," said Matchroom Sport promoter Hearn.

"When you hear a fighter has a fractured skull it's the worst injury you can have and he deserves a huge amount of credit for just being able to get back in the ring.

"We've worked hard to get him another shot and he has worked immensely hard to be ready. On paper Darleys Perez is the better fighter but will he react to the atmosphere and the fans cheering on Anthony? Crolla is in really deep and it has to be a perfect performance, but what a story it would be."

Gonzalez Jr. has switched tactics, waiting on the outside for Frampton to come in with a single jab or uppercut.

A more composed and controlled effort from the champion, picking his shots carefully, but he has to be wary of the Mexican's stinging left hook that keeps creeping through.

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Andrew Priestley: Frampton has the attack to end this fight if he lands a couple of punches. He just needs to improve his defence against Gonzalez.

Crolla 'one of the nicest guys in boxing'

Scott Quigg has hailed Anthony Crolla as "one of the nicest guys in boxing."

The pair have trained together at Gallagher's Gym in Bolton for the last two months, preparing for tonight's fights.

"Anthony has had a really good training camp and I believe he will become world champion," Quigg told BBC Sport.

"He's always wanted to be a world champion from a kid and now he has got his chance. To come back from what he has had to deal with would be the complete story. He deserves it as he is one of the nicest people in boxing."

'Quigg has really arrived now'

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Scott Quigg has really arrived now. He had his acid test and came through with flying colours. He's going to want the big fights now such as the Carl Frampton fight. This was a destruction in the second round."

Lawrence Lustig

'This is unreal'

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

But while Frampton is struggling, Scott Quigg is celebrating after his second round stoppage win against Kiko Martinez in Manchester.

Quigg tells BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "The first round was how we knew it would be. He was very nervous, so he was sharp and on edge, and I had to see what he was doing.

Lawrence Lustig

"But I got my range and we knew he would come out quicker in the second and knew he would walk on to my shot.

"I was expecting 12 tortuous rounds. This is my life and I was welling up in the ring because hopefully now I will get some credit. This is everything I've worked for as a kid."

The fighters go toe-to-toe in round four as they commence in the battle of the jabs. Frampton looked to have the edge in this round after producing the cleaner work but this could go either way.

It is a composed Frampton, after his terrible start that saw him dropped twice in round one.

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney may be in USA but he is not going to miss this night. He tweeted on Friday saying...

While former United striker Andy Cole is another fan of Crolla.

Anthony Crolla's Old Trafford dream

Anthony Crolla received a host of support during his recovery including a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson.

BBC

The life long Manchester United fan now aims to repay his fellow football supporters by bringing a world title to Manchester.

"The support I've had has given me that extra motivation in the gym so I want to thank all those people by winning a world title," he told the BBC.

"As a local lad and Manchester United supporter, it would be great to go to the first game of the season against Tottenham with a world title belt next season."

'Crolla is the Rocky story of Manchester'

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Everybody in this arena wants to see Anthony Crolla lift that belt.

"It's an incredible story because when he was in hospital, not many people would have thought he would fight again, let alone fight for a world title. He's a nice guy fighting in his hometown in Manchester and let's face it, he is the Rocky story of Manchester."

Back in America. And it is worrying times for Carl Frampton. At the start of the third, Gonzalez Jr. is deducted a point by the referee for a low blow as the Belfast boxer drops to one knee.

Frampton tried to recompose himself, peppering the Mexican with his jab but Gonzalez is relentless in his efforts to unsettle the champion with sharp body blows on the inside.

'I've dreamed of winning the title'

So how much does boxing mean to Anthony Crolla? Everything. Since he has been a young boy he has dreamed of his big moment.

Getty Images

Anthony Crolla (left) pictured as an amateur in 2005

"I was too scared to think of a life without boxing, it's a huge part of my life and there would be a big void without it," Crolla told BBC Sport.

"I've been taken aback by all the well-wishes and I've been overwhelmed by it - that's why I want to thank these people back by winning the title. I have to put on a career-best performance but I want to make sure the story has a happy ending.

"I've dreamed over and over what it would be like to win but no dream will be as good as what it would be like to actually do it."

'Anthony will prove everyone wrong'

Remember, in December Anthony Crolla suffered a fractured skull and a broken ankle when he was hit with a concrete slab as he confronted burglars at his neighbours' house.

Crolla's trainer Joe Gallagher admitted that he never expected to see his fighter in a ring again, but is delighted to have been wrong.

BBC

"I thought Anthony's career was finished," Gallagher (pictured) told BBC Sport. "In the hospital I was devastated and I went home and said to the missus 'that's it, Anthony will not fight again'.

"I did some research and I couldn't find one boxer who had that type of injury and had come back to box again.

"It's a remarkable story and to cap it off with a world title would be one of the feel-good stories of the year. Anthony has already proved me wrong and will prove everyone else wrong by winning the world title."

Next up in Manchester is Anthony Crolla. What a story it is. Let's remind you of it.

A lively start to the contest in Texas continues as Gonzalez Jr. keeps charging at the champion, now on wary legs.

But Frampton hits back with the occasional flurry of shots to the body to let his opponent know he's not in for an easy night.

Quigg stops Martinez in second round

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was the best second round I've ever seen in my life considering the first round Quigg had. It was unbelievable the turnaround. There were no positives in the first round. I thought Quigg was on to a shocker there but he was relentless in the second."

'A peach of an uppercut'

In Manchester Scott Quigg says: "I have never had the reception like this before thank you to everyone who has come out to support me.

"First round I tested his power and I knew he would gain a bit of confidence. In the second it set it up for the shot we had been working for. And it was a peach of an uppercut.

"I looked a bit wild, but kept as calm as possible and finished him."

@carlrecine

FRAMPTON DOWN - TWICE

Carl Frampton has been stopped twice and given a standing eight count twice by the referee. An incredible start to the evening's boxing.

Scott Quigg has taken just over four minutes to defend his title. Carl Frampton nearly lost his belt in the first round.

Quigg stops Martinez in second round

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Quigg turned it around in 25 seconds. He caught Martinez coming in with a huge punch to the body. Martinez walked on to it, that was the crucial factor, and Quigg then landed for fun."

And the first bell has sounded in El-Paso, Texas as IBF world champion Carl Frampton squares off with Mexico's Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.

QUIGG WINS BY SECOND ROUND STOPPAGE

Lawrence Lustig

Incredible. Quigg wins. It looked like it would be a difficult night. Oh boy he turned it round in the second. A cracking uppercut gets him started. Martinez hauls himself up off the canvas. But it does not last longer than another 30 seconds. A barrage of blows to the head and body. It is stopped. It is all over.

Lawrence Lustig

Martinez down. Twice.

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was a very bad round for Quigg. He took the whole round on the back foot and was beaten to the jab. I think his nose has taken a bit of damage, but I don't think it's broken. But he was shaken a couple of times on that round."

Lawrence Lustig

This has the makings of being a tough night for the Bury man. Martinez sends some early punishing blows to the body of Quigg and looks to possess a solid jab, one of those lands on the side of Quigg's head.

The Spaniard is the aggressor in round one and there's not much to cheer about for the home fans in Manchester.

Here we go in Manchester. 

Head To Head

BBC

Carl Frampton's opponent Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. is just 22 years old, the age when Frampton made his debut in 2009.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's IBF world champion has built up an impressive unbeaten record of 14 knockouts in 20 victories.

'I don't think Gonzalez can win'

Dave McAuley

Former IBF flyweight champion on BBC Radio Ulster

Dave McAuley, a former world flyweight champion, reckons Carl Frampton's opponent Gonzalez Jr. can't match up to the Belfast boxer's talent

"This is a voluntary defence for Frampton and I don't think Gonzalez is in the same class. It's an introductory fight for Carl in the United States, and to be honest, I don't think Gonzalez can win."

Meanwhile in America... Alejandro Gonzalez Jr walks to the ring. Will he be the man to stop Carl Frampton?

Two title fights at the same time. It may well get a bit confusing. But don't worry, we have got it covered.

As God Save the Queen rings out around the Manchester Arena, Quigg looks focused and a huge roar greets him at the end of the national anthem.

'A huge test'

Tony Bellew

Former world light heavyweight title challenger on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"This is the most important test of Scott Quigg's career. Martinez is extremely durable and possesses a punch. Make no mistake this is a huge test."

'Spine-tingling'

Jonathan Overend

Commentator on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Scott Quigg's arrival was spine-tingling stuff. Quigg may not be the biggest name in British boxing but he's getting there and with the record he has we are following him all the way."

You have to walk out to Oasis if you're fighting in Manchester. It is like some unwritten rule of boxing. And Scott Quigg does just that. He says it is the biggest test of his career coming up. How will he cope? We will soon find out. It is a great reception from the home fans for the Bury man.

Martinez is no stranger to British shores

BBC

Spain's Kiko Martinez has been a professional boxer for 11 years after making his debut aged 18, and fought in Britain for the first time in 2008 where he lost his European title to Leicester's Rendall Munroe in Nottingham.

A rematch was made in 2009 but the Spaniard left England empty handed once again.

He regained his European strap in 2013 but lost it again to Northern Ireland's hero Carl Frampton in Belfast after being stopped in the ninth round.

And last year, Martinez lost another title to Frampton as "The Jackal" ripped the IBF world super-bantamweight world title from his waist after a 12 round unanimous points verdict.

You can't beat an all-white suit. The Voice of Boxing Michael Buffer has only gone halfway though with a very snazzy white jacket and opting for dark trousers. Obviously he had seen those pictures of the Liverpool players before the 1995 FA Cup final. Maybe.

"Let's get this party started," screams Buffer and in comes the challenger. In comes Kiko Martinez.

Head to Head

BBC

Let's get ready to rumble

The Voice of Boxing Michael Buffer is going to be calling in the fighters, and Quigg (who tweeted this yesterday) is certainly pleased about it.

Martin Murray picks up routine win

Getty Images

Meanwhile in Manchester...

St. Helens fighter Martin Murray continued his journey as a newly-formed super-middleweight with a fifth-round stoppage win over Croatia's Mirzet Bajrektarevic

Murray completely dominated from the first bell and after a ferocious flurry of punches in the fifth, the referee waved the contest over.

Next up is Scott Quigg as he defends his WBA super-bantamweight title against Spain's Kiko Martinez.

Frampton can be a star in the States - Don King

Legendary boxing promoter Don King is not a man to ever be quiet. Ever. And he has backed Northern Ireland's Carl Frampton to become a big name in the States.

King promoted the likes of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, and he told BBC Northern Ireland he has seen something special in the Belfast fighter.

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"Everyone needs a hero and someone to latch on to," he said.

"To be a star, you have to be a winner and be the master of your own destiny. You have to have your own self determination and if he's like the Irish people I know and all the guys that have been here, he's going to make himself a name."

Ogogo gets victory on return

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Meanwhile, in Germany, London 2012 Olympian Anthony Ogogo made his return to the ring after a 12-month lay-off with an Achilles injury.

The 26-year-old laboured to a points win over Ukraine's Ruslan Schelev after six rounds in a middleweight contest. But it was not all good news..

He posted on Twitter that he dislocated his shoulder, a problem he has suffered with before prior to the London Olympics, and is likely to be out of action for another lengthy period.

Ogogo's injury woes continue

The middleweight has just posted this on Twitter.

What were you doing when you were 17?

Carl Frampton's latest challenger for his IBF super-bantamweight world title is just 22 years old, the same age as Frampton was when he made his professional bow.

The Mexican made his debut in 2010, a week after his 17th birthday, and has only fought outside of his homeland once before tonight.

Since then, Gonzalez Jr. has fought at least four times a year and has only lost once in 28 fights.

Meanwhile, Frampton has built up an impressive unbeaten record of 20 wins with 14 ending inside the distance.

Get involved via #bbcboxing

Ross McAllen: "Come on Kiko. He will floor Quigg in the seventh.

Send us your thoughts on tonight's fights involving Scott Quigg, Carl Frampton and Anthony Crolla. Go on, get involved using #bbcboxing or via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

'I need to impress'

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Carl Frampton says he wants to make a statement against Gonzalez Jr. as he aims to become a big cross-over star in America.

"I think the time was right to come to the States. I want people to realise what a special fighter I am. I believe I'm the best super-bantamweight in the world and now's the time to show it," he told BBC Northern Ireland.

"I need to look impressive against Gonzalez and then we can go after the big names."

We mentioned Carl Frampton, and he is in Texas set to fight Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Jr at the same time as Scott Quigg is set to be in the ring against Kiko Martinez.

So what has the Northern Irishman got to say about this fight? Well, let's find out.

It looks like Kiko Martinez means business, if this picture is anything to go by.

'I'm just focused on Martinez'

There is an added line of interest to Scott Quigg's fight as rival Carl Frampton has already fought, and defeated Kiko Martinez on two occasions.

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Carl Frampton beat Kiko Martinez with a ninth-round stoppage in 2013 and then again on points in September 2014

Does this increase the pressure on Quigg? "Does it heck," is his blunt response.

"I have the same amount of pressure as always as I want to win for myself and I have to win. With Frampton beating him twice, people will make comparisons but it doesn't make a difference for me.

"I'm not bothered about Frampton. He turned the offer down. It's been and gone. I'm just focused on Martinez."

Quigg v Frampton in the future?

If things had been different, you may well have been reading a live text tonight on Scott Quigg taking on Carl Frampton with the WBA and IBF super-bantamweight titles on the line.

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Quigg's promoter, Eddie Hearn, offered Frampton £1.5m for the unification fight, but the Northern Irishman turned the offer down.

"They wanted a 60-40 financial split and I offered them 60-40 to the winner but they didn't want that, so I offered them an outright fee but they didn't want that either," Hearn told BBC Sport.

"But if they both win then we will go back with a revised offer and try again. It's the biggest fight for both of them in the division and common sense says the fight should be made, but common sense in boxing doesn't apply."

Coming up soon

Martin Murray is currently in eight-round super-middleweight action against Mirzet Bajrektarevic and we will bring you the result of that when it is over, but let's now continue our look at Scott Quigg's upcoming fight against Spaniard Kiko Martinez.

On the undercard

So what is happening right now at the Manchester Arena?

LAWRENCE LUSTIG

Well, after plenty of needle in the build-up (see above), Birmingham's Sam Eggington (pictured left) silenced Glenn Foot in a ninth-round stoppage to lift the Commonwealth and British welterweight titles.

Eggington was in full control from the first bell until the referee stopped the fight after a clash of heads opened a bad cut over Foot's eye, and Eggington was the clear winner on all scorecards.

In another domestic dust-up, Tyrone Nurse and Chris Jenkins fought to a majority draw for the vacant British light-welterweight title.

"It was a close fight but I thought I nicked it by one or two rounds down the stretch," said Jenkins.

'The toughest fight of my career'

Bury fighter Scott Quigg is focused for the fifth defence of his WBA super-bantamweight Championship.

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"I feel good, I'm in the best shape of my life and expect the toughest fight of my career," Quigg told BBC Sport.

"But I know I'm ready for it, I've been training like a demon, hard and sharp, and I'm going to do what I need to do to win. This is everything I've wanted to do as a kid and why I've worked so hard.

"This is my biggest fight as it will lead to massive fights."

Who is Kiko Martinez?

So what do we know about the man trying to end Scott Quigg's reign as WBA super-bantamweight champion?

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He is a two-time European champion and a former IBF world title holder after losing to Scott Quigg's rival Carl Frampton in September last year.

But at 29 years-old, will he have the skills and experience to upset Quigg in his own back yard?

High school drop-out to world champion

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Scott Quigg has previously said he knew he would be a world champion from the moment he knocked on his head teacher's door when he was just 16.

Quigg made a brave decision to leave school to focus on boxing, a decision which his parents supported by offering him a part-time job sweeping floors in the factory his father worked in.

His teachers thought it would be a big mistake but Quigg was determined to prove them wrong.

"My teachers just laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a boxer, but it's something that I have said I was always going to do and become a world champion," Quigg said.

Building up nicely

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Jonathan Overend writes on Twitter...

Listen Live

Listen to all the action as it happens on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra with Jonathan Overend and expert analysis from cruiserweight Tony Bellew.

Scott Quigg is expected to be in the ring by 21:30 BST to defend his WBA super-bantamweight crown against Spain's Kiko Martinez.

Then switch over to BBC Radio 5 live for our main event where local hero Anthony Crolla takes on Darleys Perez for the WBA lightweight title.

Get involved via #bbcboxing

As always we want your views on tonight's boxing. So don't be shy, get involved by using the hashtag #bbcboxing and send us your views. You can also contact us by leaving a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Welcome

Good evening and welcome to BBC Sport's live text commentary for what is a huge night of boxing.

We have three fighters - Anthony Crolla, Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton - either aiming to win world titles or hold on to their world belts. Plus British title contests and former world title contenders in action.

These are the main events we are focusing on...

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Quigg is expected to be in the ring at about 21:30 BST, Frampton at about 22:00 BST with Crolla on after the Quigg fight has finished.

A Hollywood finish?

Anthony Crolla's world, his career, and so nearly his life, looked over in December.

He had been scheduled to face then-WBA lightweight champion Richar Abril in January but the attack by burglars left him in hospital, his hopes and dreams ruined.

But now, less than eight months later, Crolla has a second chance, a second title opportunity.

Will the story have a Hollywood ending? It is going to be an emotional evening.

LAWRENCE LUSTIG

An incredible story

It is a story that has shocked and amazed the world of boxing.

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"It was a dark night. My next door neighbours' alarm was going off, I got a torch and a burglar popped his head out. There were two of them.

"I chased them and they could see they couldn't get away from me, this lunatic. One of them hit a concrete slab over my head. If it had hit me at a different angle I would be dead.

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"I suffered a fractured skull and a broken ankle in two places. It felt like the end of the world."

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