Promoter Eddie Hearn has praised Anthony Crolla after he successfully defended his WBA lightweight crown against Ismael Barroso on Saturday night.

Crolla was a slight underdog against the big-punching challenger and was behind on all three scorecards at the midway point in the fight, but that did not tell the whole story as Crolla boxed with discipline and allowed his opponent to punch himself out after five rounds.

The finish came in round seven as Crolla floored an exhausted Barroso with a body shot, and the Venezuelan remained on the canvas as the Mancunian celebrated in front of his home supporters.

After the bout, Hearn took to social media to post a picture with his fighter, who advanced to 31 victories from 38 outings as a professional.

A unification showdown with WBO title holder Terry Flanagan - who also hails from Manchester - is a possibility for later in the year.