Boxer Anthony Crolla suffers 'fractured skull from concrete slab' chasing burglars from Manchester home

Manchester-based boxer Anthony Crolla sustained a suspected fractured skull from being hit with a brick or concrete slab after coming to blows with burglars at his home.

Crolla gave chase to a pair of burglars who had reportedly been targeting his neighbours' homes late last night before they jumped over a fence into his garden.

However, after the 28-year-old, known as known as "Million Dolla Crolla", grabbed one of the assailants, the second is said to have clubbed the fighter with a concrete slab.

He was rushed to Royal Oldham Hospital where he required stitches on a deep wound and underwent a CT scan.

The injuries mean promoter Eddie Hearn has cancelled the WBO intercontinental lightweight champion's January bout against WBA champion Richar Abril.

Trainer Gallagher told the MEN: "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."