Crolla on His Last Fight: “I’ve Never Been Knocked Out Like That in My Life”

Former world champion Anthony Crolla recalled his bout with Vasiliy Lomachenko, where he was knocked out and after which he decided to retire from boxing.

“I’ve never been knocked out like that in my life.

You know, people kept asking me if I was okay, and I’d answer: ‘It wasn’t even that heavy of a stoppage, what are you talking about?’ I knew exactly where I was, but I just couldn’t move.

I went back to the dressing room, everyone was there, everyone was worried, and there was silence. Then Eddie Hearn at some point said: ‘You know, Crolla, that was pretty bad…’ And I said: ‘No, not at all.’ Because I remembered everything. I wasn’t unconscious.

Actually, I told William (Crolla’s brother): ‘Here, Will, pass me my phone…’ I swear, I watched the knockout back and it didn’t look at all how I imagined. I didn’t know I’d be face down on the floor. I’m trying to move around the ring and lift my head, but I can’t move,” Crolla recalled.

The fight between Lomachenko and Crolla took place in 2019. Vasiliy Lomachenko won by knockout in the fourth round.

Photo: Seconds Out