Crolla Trainer Discusses Fighter's Injuries And Good Will

By Terence Dooley

The news that Anthony Crolla was badly injured in a confrontation with burglars yesterday evening has shocked and rocked the British boxing scene. The 28-year-old contender caught two men trying to rob his neighbour's home, gave chase and was attacked with a concrete block by one of them. It means that he won't be able to challenge Richar Abril for the WBA lightweight title on January 23, but that's a secondary concern given the circumstances surrounding Crolla's attack.

The 29-4-2 (11) fighter was admitted to Oldham hospital after the assault, he suffered a fractured skull and broke his ankle when hitting the ground after being struck with the concrete block. Joe Gallagher, his trainer, has told the BBC's Radio 5 Live that the popular boxer was trying to do right by his neighbour and is devastated to have missed out on his January date with destiny.

"He suffered a really bad injury to the head, numerous stitches to his forehead and broke his ankle in two places—his world title dream’s in shatters," said Gallagher.  "Any sport person's goal is to test themselves against the best in the world—Anthony’s no different—but first and foremost he’s lucky to be alive this morning after getting hit with a concrete slab to the head.

"The neighbour’s alarm went off so Anthony phoned them to see if they were in.  They weren’t, so he said he’d go round to check for them. Obviously it’s close to Christmas, the tree’s up with presents around it, and he’s gone round there disturbed two burglars and gave chase.

"Anthony got hold of one of them, so the other one grabbed the slab and hit him over the head—he broke his ankle going over. Anthony’s heartbroken. It’s the season of goodwill, it’s 6pm and you’ve got people like that going around doing that—it doesn’t bear reason."

Greater Manchester Police's Detective Sergeant Richard Arthern revealed that the former British titlist is on the road to recovery during a conversion with Sky Sports News.

"The victim was outraged that these two men had broken into his neighbour's home and gave chase," said Arthern. "When he caught up with one of them, he was hit with such force, he received a fractured skull. He staggered backwards and fell to the ground leaving him with a broken ankle and in a lot of pain.

"Thankfully, he is recovering well in hospital."

'He's one of the nicest guys in the game' is a cliché that's used a lot in boxing, but, to a man, everyone you meet in British boxing circles will tell you that Crolla's one of a kind—a wonderful human being who loves his family, loves his sport and loves mixing with boxing fans.  BoxingScene's U.K. team wishes him a full and speedy recovery.  

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