Injured Crolla home for Christmas

Champion suffered fractured skull and broken ankle tackling burglars at a neighbour's house

By Damon Wilkinson  - manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Boxer Anthony Crolla is back home for Christmas after putting his career in jeopardy to tackle burglars at his neighbour’s house.

Anthony Crolla back home from hospital with partner Fran and son Jesse

The champ has been treated in the Royal Oldham Hospital for three days after suffering a fractured skull and broken ankle when the cowardly raiders fought back.

New Moston-based Crolla , 28, said: “It’s a case of one step at a time but I have overcome the first hurdle as they have let me out of hospital because I am on the mend. It is absolutely brilliant to be home and I am delighted to be part of making this Christmas one my son will never forget.

“When I got back from the hospital on crutches there was this parcel waiting for me amongst the flowers and cards. It turned out it was a United shirt signed by all the players, which Wayne Rooney had sorted out. What a brilliant lift for me when I am feeling so down.

“I really am touched by all the people in the community round here who have sent cards and flowers.”

Girlfriend Fran Sanderson, the mother of their one-year-old son, Jesse, tried to cheer him up with an early Christmas present – a cheesy jumper to ruin his street cred!

Crolla, known to fight fans as ‘Million Dollar’, had to call off his dream money-spinning world title bout in Manchester next month because of his injuries. He was struck by a concrete slab after disturbing burglars when he went to investigate an alarm going off at the home of next-door neighbour Craig Townsend.

Crolla has had an operation to repair the broken bones in his foot and he had 12 stitches in the head wound.

Crolla has been inundated with messages of support from fans and the boxing fraternity.

Fighters Amir Khan, Tyson Fury, Ricky Hatton and next-month’s would-be opponent, Cuban Rich Abril, were first to wish him all the best . But as Crolla is a big United fan, Rooney’s surprise get-well present was the icing on the cake.

A 17-year-old boy has been quizzed by detectives investigating the attack on suspicion of assault, burglary and possessing drugs with intent to supply, and was released on bail. A 46-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Damon Wilkinson

Source:  www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/injured-crolla-home-for-christmas-8343858