Thugs KO Crolla dream

Anthony Crolla

A WORLD title-chasing boxer’s dreams are in tatters after he was smashed over the head with a concrete slab while tackling burglars fleeing from a break-in next door.

Have-a-go hero Anthony Crolla (28), of Halsey Close, Chadderton, suffered concussion and a broken ankle in the struggle at around 5.30pm yesterday.

The fighter — nicknamed Million Dollar Crolla — was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

He has now been forced to postpone his fight with Cuban Richar Abril for the WBA world lightweight title in Manchester on January 23, 2015.

It is understood Crolla gave chase when he saw two raiders jumping over a fence from next door into his garden.

He managed to grab one of the burglars but the other is thought to have picked up a brick, or lump of concrete, and thrown it at his head.

Crolla staggered back to his house with blood pouring from his head as his girlfriend dialled 999.


SPORTING REACTION - Words of support for Crolla

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