Glenn Byrne was taken to hospital after suffering a brutal knockout loss to William Crolla on Friday night. The Irish boxer, who tasted the first defeat of his professional career, received oxygen in the ring before being transported to hospital following the seventh-round stoppage at Planet Ice, Altrincham.
The super welterweight contest was marred by controversy, with many observers believing the fight should have been stopped earlier. Byrne had floored Crolla three times in the second round and once more in the fifth with a right to the jaw, but referee Ron Kearney allowed the bout to continue. Crolla eventually delivered a devastating knockout in the seventh round to improve his record to 10-1, while Byrne's record now stands at 7-1-1.
Byrne's brother and trainer, Jay Byrne, provided an update on social media, saying the 29-year-old was in 'good spirits, chatting, laughing and joking' while awaiting the results of a CT scan. He criticised the referee, stating: 'Boxing is a tough, tough sport and referees like that are what ruin our sport.'
Promoter Eddie Hearn praised both fighters, noting that Crolla was fighting for his career. 'We all hope that Glenn Byrne is ok,' Hearn said. 'That was one of the most incredible things I've ever seen. Massive respect to both.' Crolla also expressed concern for Byrne, saying: 'My thoughts and condolences to Glenn Byrne. I hope he's OK. He was a warrior in there tonight.'
