It's been a decent week for heart-warming boxing stories as the sport continues to recover from the let-down that was Mayweather vs Pacquiao, with James DeGale hitting headlines for his classy gesture towards the late Darren Sutherland.
Not to be outdone in the 'give them the feels' department, Manchester lightweight Anthony Crolla has been given the green light to make an emotional ring return in his hometown on July 18th, when he will finally challenge for a world title. This, incredibly, just eight months after he was hospitalised with a fractured skull and broken ankle following an altercation with intruders in his neighbour's home.
'Million Dolla' Crolla heard noises next door and went to confront the burglars, but was hit over the head with a concrete slab and left for dead. At the time he had been deep in preparation for a dream world title shot against Richar Abril in his native Manchester.
Though he was lucky to escape with his life, the former British and Commonwealth champ's long-awaited world title tilt was left in tatters due the severity of his injuries. Truth be told, it seemed unlikely that the happy-go-lucky Mancunian would fight again.
Days after the incident, Crolla acknowledged that the path to recovery would be a difficult one, but vowed that he would return to the ring:
I can't thank everyone on here enough for all the msgs of support. Honestly took back by them all they've meant the absolute world to (1/3)
— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) December 21, 2014
me and my family. I'm devastated over what happened and having to pull out of my fight but I've got a lot to be thankful for as I'm a (2/3)
— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) December 21, 2014
very lucky man. It'll be a tough road back but I promise that I will be back stronger than ever in 2015. Thanks so much again #blessed (3/3) — anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) December 21, 2014
Six months on and now fully recovered, one of boxing's 'nice guys' has finally caught the right kind of break.
In their story on the fight's announcement (which is well worth a read, here), fight site BoxingNewsAndViews.com posted quotes from Crolla's reaction to the news via his promoters, Matchroom Sport:
It’s amazing to be back in the ring and fighting for my first World title.Lying in my hospital bed after the attack, I didn’t know what the future held, I was just lucky to be alive, but I have worked so hard and had so much support that I have to win that World title on July 18.
Perez is a great fighter and I know I am going to have to be at my very best to beat him, but with everything that has happened, it feels like I am destined to win the belt and I will be busting a gut in the gym to be in the best shape I have even been in on the night to get that belt.
Promoter Eddie Hearn was also quick to voice his support for his popular charge in an official statement:
This has been a rollercoaster six months for Anthony. First he received the dream news that he would challenge Richard Abril for the WBA World title and then just weeks later his World came crashing down when he suffered life-threatening injuries after trying to apprehend burglars from his neighbour’s property.
When we got the news of Anthony’s injuries it was touch and go whether he would fight again.
He has shown remarkable strength and bravery and I promised him I would deliver him a shot at the World title in his return. On July 18 Anthony will face the talented Darleys Perez for the WBA World title in front of his own people; people that should be so proud to call him their own. I hope the city gets behind this hero and we can get him over the line to become champion of the world.
We reckon Manchester Arena might get a little bit loud on the 18th of July.
