Fraser Wilkinson inflicts first defeat on brother of former world champion Anthony Crolla in live televised bout at Manchester’s AO Arena on undercard for Jack Catterall’s title bout against Harlem Eubank
It was the greatest win of his career on the biggest stage.
Former Forres boxer Fraser Wilkinson stunned a packed crowd in the AO Arena in Manchester and a live TV audience by defeating William Crolla, the brother of former WBA lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla.
The Moray fighter, a product of Elgin Amateur Boxing Club and a two-time Scottish champ, landed a stunning opportunity on the undercard of the biggest British fight night of the weekend in Manchester.
The AO Arena, which has housed thrilling bouts for the likes of Ricky Hatton, David Haye and Chris Eubank Jr, was packed out for IBF Inter-Continental Welterweight title fight between British pair Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank, nephew of former world champion Chris Eubank snr.
Wilkinson had won ten and lost two of his previous bouts, including a bruising loss to Aberdonian Dean Sutherland in last year’s Celtic super welterweight title fight.
Crolla (26) had won all eight of his professional fights including six devastating knockouts, and was a huge favourite to win in his home town but Wilkinson had other ideas.
The Moray fighter landed a number of telling blows in the opening round and stood up to Crolla’s second round response, which included a powerful right hand punch and some good combinations.
Wilkinson seemed to land the better punches in round three although he was warned by the referee for a low blow.
A series of body shots and jabs worked well for the visiting boxer in the next round, with Crolla up against the ropes at times.
In the fifth, Wilkinson produced a deadly combination which put Crolla to the floor, although he beat the count and survived more punishment over the remainder of the round.
The writing was on the wall for the home favourite and round six proved to be his last, as more great combination work by Wilkinson forced Crolla into the corner where a flurry of blows persuaded the referee to stop the fight and declare the underdog as a shock winner.