After a relatively even first couple of rounds, Crolla found his range.
The former world lightweight champion fended off Burns’ jabs and threw in a beautiful uppercut of his own.
Crolla threw the better punches and had a better success of landing, while Burns seemed to lean in more on him.
Burns struggled to cope with the unrelenting pace of Crolla.
The Scot, who had won 41 of his 48 professional bouts going into the contest, let his hands go at the start of his sixth.
Crolla was keen to avoid any further punishment and proved to be the more streetwise.
Burns let a couple of rounds slip, but at the start of the eighth he tried to put his foot on the gas and take the initiative.
Corolla found himself against the ropes as Burns tried to throw some big punches, but he showed signs of tiredness.
The fight went deep, but Crolla seemed to have more energy and while Burns went in search of the knockout blow, he was unable to find it.
While it wasn’t expected to go the full distance, Crolla enjoyed a memorable night in his hometown.
Burns suffered a slight stumble in the 12th round, but Crolla had done enough to take the victory.
The judges scored the fight 116-113, 117-112 and 116-14 in the Mancunian’s favour.