Anthony Crolla has defeated former world champion Gavin Rees by a majority decision in Bolton.
The 26-year-old picked up the vacant WBO inter-continental lightweight title in the process and put himself in the frame for a world title shot.
The more experienced Rees started faster, landing some punishing blows in the opening couple of rounds, before being pushed back and eventually cut in the third.
Rees seemed to be stealing the rounds but after a toe-to-toe fifth round, the Welshman appeared to tire in the sixth.
Crolla then produced an excellent finish, upping his work rate even further in the final rounds to nick the win off Rees, who will feel that he could have won the fight.
Written by
Daniel Cross
Daniel Cross
