Irish boxer Glenn Byrne was taken to hospital after a brutal knockout defeat to William Crolla, with the referee’s decision to let the fight continue sparking widespread criticism
Glenn Byrne suffered a brutal knockout from William Crolla(Image: Getty Images)
Glenn Byrne was in ‘good spirits, chatting, laughing and joking’ after being taken to hospital following his knockout loss to William Crolla on Friday night.
The Irishman endured the first defeat of his professional career as Crolla, younger sibling of former WBA lightweight champion Anthony, halted him in the seventh round on Matchroom’s bill at Planet Ice, Altrincham.
But numerous observers believed the contest should have been waved off considerably earlier after Byrne floored Crolla three times during the second round and once more in the fifth with a beautifully executed right to the jaw, reports the Irish Mirror.
Yet referee Ron Kearney permitted the fight to progress, with Crolla delivering a brutal KO in the seventh round of the super welterweight clash to improve to 10-1 as a professional, while Byrne’s record now stands at 7-1-1.
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Concerning moments followed the final bell as Byrne received oxygen in the ring before being transported to hospital.
The Dubliner is trained and managed by his brother and ex-professional boxer Jay Byrne, whose JB Promotions provided an update on the 29 year old after the fight.
They posted on Instagram: “Glenn is in good spirits, chatting, laughing and joking. Just waiting on results of CT scan. We would like to thank everyone for their messages of concern, it means a lot.
“Boxing is a tough, tough sport and referees like that are what ruin our sport.”
Byrne was left prone in the ring after a sickening knockout(Image: DAZN)
Promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledged that Crolla’s career might have been finished had he been defeated in the bout. He said: “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. 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.
Byrne received immediate treatment(Image: DAZN)
“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 added: “My thoughts and condolences to Glenn Byrne. I hope he’s OK. I’m sorry I celebrated after it. I didn’t realise how badly he was hurt. I think we should all give Glenn Byrne a round of applause. He was a warrior in there tonight.”