Image source, Lawrence Lustig

What a night. There was disappointment for Martin Murray as he suffered a split decision points defeat against Arthur Abraham in Germany for the WBO super-middleweight title.

But Anthony Crolla's dreams have come true as he wins the WBA lightweight title after a crushing body shot knocks out former champion Darleys Perez in the fifth round.

Next week it is another big night of boxing with James DeGale and Tyson Fury in world title action so join us for our live text commentary in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Thank you for joining us and for your comments, bye for now.

Image source, Lawrence Lustig

This is the picture Anthony Crolla has been dreaming of since he was 10 years old.

Earlier this year his boxing career looked to be over. Now he is the champion of the world.

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Some quotes from Eddie Hearn, Anthony Crolla's promoter.

"I'm not sure if you can find a nicer man in the world," says Hearn. "To deliver like that, Manchester and Britain should be so proud of Anthony Crolla.

"He has worked so hard and I'm so proud of him. Now we are going to go on and have some mega fights."

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Alex Haworth:, external Delighted for Anthony Crolla. Should have got the decision last time he fought Perez.

boxing mad:, external Awesome, awesome, awesome. Great win for the guy and our country boom.

No1Macster:, external Upstairs downstairs work for the opening, cracking body shot great work. Crolla World Champ!

Duane parsons:, external What a man got robbed last fight never moaned just got on with it made me feel humble ENJOY Anthony you deserve your belt CHAMP

Crolla has praised trainer Joe Gallagher, who has returned the favour by saying: "Anthony is an absolute example to other boxers."

"When he came to me he had just lost. He has had ups and downs but he does not give up. 

"He can be better, there is still room for improvement. Hopefully next summer we will have a defence at Old Trafford."

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Stars of the football and rugby league world join in the congratulations to the new Champion of the World. 

Anthony Crolla, the new WBA lightweight champion, says: "I've dreamed this dream since I was 10. I didn't know it was going to be this good. It is better than I ever dreamed it would be.

"I was very confident I would get him out of there. I thought it would have been a head shot. I touched him with a right and sunk him with a left.

"After the first fight I went away and worked hard with the team. I just have to thank the team around me. Joe (Gallagher) has turned my career around and so many people had given up on me. It is an amazing feeling, it is a dream come true, now I just want many more nights like this in Manchester.

"I have come to this arena since I was 10 watching Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. To do it here is what I dreamed of."

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It's time to hear from the new world champion.

Fellow boxers show support for the victorious Anthony Crolla. Ten years ago Crolla supported Hatton as he became champion of the world, today, the shoe is on the other foot! 

Remember, Anthony Crolla feared he would never walk again, nevermind box again after he was hit over the head with a concrete block as he tackled robbers in December 2014. The attack left Crolla with a fractured skull and a broken ankle.

Now he is the world champion. What a story. The Hollywood ending has happened.

Image source, @bbcmancsports

Anthony Crolla, the new champion of the world, is bouncing around the ring. He just can't stop. He climbs up in the corner, shouting 'Manchester'. He has followed in the footsteps of his hero Ricky Hatton.

Crolla is the new champion of the world.

It was an absolutely beautiful left to the ribs from Crolla after he set it up by a couple of blows to the head.

As soon as the punch lands Perez winces in incredible pain. A shake of the head follows. Terry O'Connor could have counted to 50 and Perez would not have got up.

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The dream is achieved. A horrible 12 months has had a magical ending for Anthony Crolla.

A huge body shot does the damage and Perez crumples to the canvas. Referee Terry O'Connor starts counting, and does not stop. Perez is down, Perez is out, Perez is beaten.

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Perez is forced backwards on to the ropes and the noise from the crowd is moved up another notch. 

PEREZ IS DOWN

Anthony Crolla is working the body, looking to create the space to set up a huge uppercut. Perez is missing with a few wild swings.

Better from Crolla, who catches his opponent with a sweet body shot towards the end of the round and his efforts are greeted by a huge cheer from the Manchester public.

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Amateur middleweight, and gold medalist for Team GB at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, Anthony Fowler seems to favour Crolla in the early rounds

These are Crolla's garments for the evening. Million Dollar Crolla the nickname. Snazzy. 

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Anthony Crolla's trainer Joe Gallagher calls for some more head movement from his man. Crolla responds by ducking and weaving looking for an uppercut to penetrate Perez's defences.

But the Colombian is not fooled. Lots being thrown, not much causing any damage.

Some good stuff from the Colombian, who fires a right into Crolla's ribs. A lot of Crolla's early efforts are bouncing off leather, instead of skin.

We could be in for a long fight here. Nothing to separate the two so far. Both men nod their heads at the end of the round in acknowledgement of the other's work. There's a lot of respect between the pair.

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A good strong jab from Perez, who does not build on it. A very tight, and fairly uninspiring opening round. 

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