The Manchester-based fighter came from behind to claim his 10th professional win.
William Crolla returned to winning ways this weekend, when he stopped Glenn Byrne in their super welterweight bout.
Despite being knocked down four times during the clash in Altrincham, Crolla managed to seal the victory with a decisive blow in the seventh round.
The referee was forced to call the action off immediately after Crolla’s legitimate punch floored the previously undefeated Irishman.
As Crolla began enthusiastically celebrating his win, it became clear that Byrne required medical assistance.
In fact, the 29-year-old was carried out of the ring on a stretcher.
Speaking to Charlie Parsons in the ring post-fight, Crolla apologised: “First of all, I just want to give my thoughts and condolences to Glenn Byrne.
“I hope he’s okay, and I’m sorry I celebrated.
“I didn’t realise how badly he was hurt.”
Byrne’s promoter, Jay Byrne, later confirmed he was taken to hospital for a CT scan, but was ‘in good spirits, chatting, laughing and joking’.
What’s next for William Crolla?
It was a make-or-break fight for the 27-year-old this weekend, after being beaten by Fraser Wilkinson last year.
But he certainly redeemed himself with the stunning knockout.
His promoter, Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn, added: “That is why this sport is so incredible.
“I think William Crolla deserves so much respect.
“We all hope that Glenn Byrne is okay; 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.
“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 okay, but massive respect to both.
“Just incredible to watch.”
As shown in the image taken by Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing photographer, Crolla vs Byrne was ferociois.
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