British boxer 'seriously injured' after confronting two home intruders

The boxer was hit over the head with a concrete slab but is now stable in hospital.

17:47 17 December 2014

Anthony Crolla, the Manchester lightweight boxer, is currently in hospital after he was seriously injured in a fight against two intruders. He was hit on the head with a concrete slab and also suffered broken ankle after chasing the intruders. He is now stable in hospital but his world title fight against Richar Abril in January has been cancelled.

Crolla's promoter Eddie Hearn told Sportsmail: 'We're devastated for Anthony and his family, you couldn't meet a nicer guy in boxing.

'It was a dream to get him his world title shot. I've alerted Abril's team and hopefully we can rearrange it but we don't know the extent of Anthony's injuries.

'His health is our first concern.'

Meanwhile, his trainer Joe Gallagher told the Manchester Evening News: 'He could have been killed.

'I've just spoken to him on the phone and he's heart-broken. He's all plastered-up and waiting for a CT scan. His title dream is gone. Whether he will ever get another shot at it in the future, I don't know. His dreams are in tatters.'