Anthony Crolla: I couldn't wash myself after concrete attack

Anthony Crolla has told Newsbeat he's forgiven burglars who hit him over the head with a concrete block last December.

The attack left the lightweight Manchester boxer with a fractured skull and a broken ankle.

He spent months in recovery after trying to stop two men from breaking into his neighbour's home.

Nobody has been charged with the attack.

"I've forgiven them now. I could send myself mad trying to find out who it is," he said.

The assault happened in New Moston in Manchester in December last year..

At the time doctors told him it was unlikely he would be able to fight again because of the severity of his injuries.

However, the 28-year-old will return to the ring for the first time on 18 July in his hometown, fighting for the WBA world lightweight title, against Colombian Darleys Perez.

"I've recovered now. My dream is back on track," said the boxer.

"I don't know who it was. I don't know where they are. If you're robbing houses you're in a pretty bad place.

"Hopefully they've stopped doing what they were doing and they're getting their life back on track."

The lowest point

Anthony's injuries meant he had to spend weeks in hospital and he was forced to call off his highly anticipated WBA world title fight with Richard Abril.

"The lowest point, I don't mean to offend anyone but I'm a proud man and I couldn't wash myself. My partner had to help me with that and I couldn't get around much.

"When you are someone who is used to being so active and you are stuck on the couch, eating boxes of chocolates, it can get you pretty down."

Mentally stronger

During his recovery he was contacted by Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson with messages of support.

Despite fears of brain damage it was his ankle that took longer to recover than the fractured skull.

"Mentally now I feel like I am in a much better place, I'm mentally stronger.

"They say everything happens for a reason and I'm both physically and mentally better prepared than if I'd have got my world title shot in January," says Anthony.

"It's been a crazy old ride and it's not over yet. On 18 July it can have a happy ending.

"There were worrying times when I never thought I'd box again.

"I never stopped believing that I'd get back. But it's been a bit quicker than I expected."

Anthony Crolla now has his big chance in Manchester after a dramatic 12 months

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