Anthony Crolla Eyes 2015 Comeback After Being Hit over Head with Concrete Slab

Anthony Crolla has vowed to step back into the ring and reignite his world title dream, following the vicious attack at his own home that left him with a fractured skull.

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Crolla Discharged from Hospital, Eyes Comeback

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Crolla recently tweeted thanks to all his well-wishers after he exited hospital, revealing he plans to re-launch his world title bid next year:

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Crolla Title Dream Shattered

Wednesday, Dec. 17

British boxer Anthony Crolla had his world title dream shattered in the most unfortunate of circumstances. This, after he was involved in an altercation with two intruders at his home in Chadderton, Greater Manchester.

According to Martin Domin of Mail Online, Crolla, who was due to fight Richar Abril for the WBA Lightweight title in January, was hit over the head with a concrete slab before suffering a broken ankle while giving chase to the burglars. 

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

His trainer, Joe Gallagher, told John Scheerhout of the Manchester Evening News the incident was so serious that "he could have been killed." The police and promoter Eddie Hearn went on to reveal the potential extent of Crolla's injury to Michael Emons of BBC Sport:

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Promoter Eddie Hearn told BBC Sport the Manchester-based boxer was in a "stable condition" and that he was in talks to try and reschedule the world title fight.

Police confirmed that a 28-year-old man was left with a fractured skull after being struck "with a heavy object" when chasing burglars he had spotted leaving his neighbours' home.

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Hearn also sent his best wishes to the 28-year-old Mancunian, per Domin's piece:

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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.

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Andrew Redington/Getty Images

A host of high-profile figures within British boxing paid tribute to Crolla, including Amir Khan and Tony Bellew:

Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News also expressed his dismay at what happened:

Crolla has re-established himself as one of the top fighters in the division after a crushing loss to fellow British fighter Derry Mathews back in 2012. He drew a rematch with the Liverpudlian a year later, but wins over Gavin Rees, Stephen Foster and John Murray put him back on track, yielding a dream world title shot in Manchester against Abril.

Sadly, that dream is to be put on hold for the time being, which is a devastating blow for the fighter. Manchester United, the club Crolla supports, wished him well in his recovery:

The primary concern for now is Crolla's full recovery. He's a unanimously popular figure for whom the sporting world will be crossing its fingers.