British boxer recovers from four knockdowns to leave opponent on stretcher in wild KO

William Crolla was ‘fighting for his career’ as he survived four knockdowns before a stunning knockout victory on Friday.

The British boxer floored Glenn Byrne in the seventh round of their super welterweight bout in Altrincham.

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Crolla was dropped to the canvas three times in the second round alone during his comeback win.

The first two of those came just 26 seconds apart as the 27-year-old appeared to be on his way to his second professional loss.

He was then only saved by the bell after being knocked down for a third time late in the round.

After making his way through the next two rounds, Crolla was dropped for a fourth time inside the opening minute of the fifth.

However, he once again proved to the referee he could continue after getting back to his feet.

His determination would pay off in emphatic fashion in the seventh round as he knocked out Byrne with a left hand.

The Irishman, who had previously been unbeaten, was taken out of the ring on a stretcher after the fight.

Hearn reacts to comeback win

Crolla’s gutsy comeback was hailed by promoter Eddie Hearn following the bout as he paid respect to both fighters.

The Matchroom Boxing boss appeared inside the ring alongside Crolla, admitting: “That is why this sport is so incredible. I think William Crolla deserves so much respect.

“We all hope that Glenn Byrne is ok, we believe that he is, but we’ll keep everybody updated. Our thoughts are with him.

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“Two unbelievable warriors, I mean, this young man was out and when I say out, I’m talking about his career.

“What you saw in there, was a desperate man quite honestly fighting for his career and he just had to find a way, he just had to stay with it.

“And you could see the energy going from Byrne because of everything that he’d thrown into the fight to stop this man, who did so well to keep getting up.

“How he found a way back to win that fight, honestly, I know it sounds harsh to say you’re fighting for your career, but on this stage, on this platform, a second defeat at that level would have almost been career-ending on this platform.

“That was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. Like I said, it’s difficult to celebrate until we know Glenn Byrne’s ok, but massive respect to both. Just incredible to watch.”

Crolla suffered his first professional loss in July last year at the hands of Fraser Wilkinson.

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He has now extended his record to 10-1 with an eighth knockout win.

The Manchester-based fighter is the younger brother of former WBA lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla.

His clash with Byrne served as the co-main event in Altrincham on Friday night.

Their bout was followed by Pat Brown vs Vasil Ducar for the vacant IBF inter-continental cruiserweight title.

Englishman Brown went on to win via stoppage in the eighth round to extend his record to 6-0.