Crolla zooms up WBO rankings

Boxing: 

INJURED Chadderton-based boxer Anthony Crolla has rocketed from number four to two in the WBO’s lightweight rankings.

The news will offer ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla a significant boost as he continues his recovery from a fractured skull and broken ankle after he confronted two burglars fleeing from a break-in next to his home last month.

The injuries forced Crolla out of a scheduled tilt at Richar Abril’s WBA world title on January 23.

The sudden rise up the WBO rankings could pave the way to another world title fight when he returns to action.

In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle last week, Crolla spoke of his determination to get back into the ring in the coming months.

“Early summer is the plan,” Crolla said. “I want to be back out in May or June, definitely.

“I think I can be out by the end of april, but we’ll see. There’s no need to rush.”

Terence Crawford, the current WBO lightweight king, is expected to vacate his belt when moving up to the light-welterweight division later this year. If that happens, Crolla and number one contender Juan Diaz will be in prime position to fight for the vacant belt.