Crolla Stops Murray, Quigg Stops Munyai, Munroe Retires

At the Phones 4U Arena, Manchester, last night, ‘Fight of the Year’ contender – Anthony Crolla v John Murray saw the tenth round stoppage of the ‘Murray Machine’.

The much anticipated local derby between the two Manchester men proved to be a cracker of a fight over the ten rounds. There was more pressure from Murray in the opening rounds – with him going hell for leather and sustaining a busy work-rate.

Crolla – forced back by Murray’s advances – looked less bothered by the shots but frustrated by the smothering effect of Murray’s relentless punches. At the end of the fourth, both men stopped – thinking that the bell had sounded (probably due to the rowdy atmosphere inside the venue) but they were seconds too early.

It was a more even round six and by the end of the eighth, Murray’s nose was bloodied and there was a nick below his right eye. The big work-rate was starting to take its toll and he was looking tired.

Round nine was a draining one for both men. Inside the last minute of the tenth frame – a glancing shot across the back of Murray’s neck sees him drop to the canvas. He continues but – under pressure from Crolla – is stopped in 2 minutes 20 seconds of the tenth round.

Anthony Crolla retains the WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight Title.

Also on the Matchroom Boxing – Eddie Hearn promoted show, Scott Quigg of Bury made short work of South African – Tshifhiwa Munyai to retain his WBA World Super-Bantamweight Title.

In the last twenty seconds of the opening round, a left to the head of Munyai sees him on the canvas. Fighting resumes and Munyai survives the round but is down again following a right to the head in round two. Referee Howard Foster stops the contest moments later after Quigg ups the pressure.

Josh Warrington of Leeds retained his Commonwealth (British Empire) Featherweight Title but it was a sad end to the career of likeable ‘Boxing Binman’ Rendall Munroe of Leicester, who retired with a damaged mouth at the end of the seventh.

Munroe could not keep up with quicker Warrington and in an emotional interview afterwards declared that Jason and Mike Shinfield could see it just wasn’t there tonight. “The Man upstairs has shown that it’s time to go,” he said.