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Not even a year ago, Anthony Crolla was stranded in a hospital bed; sustaining serious head injuries and a broken ankle after confronting burglars near his home. His world title fight, his life-long dream, was off. But through enormous heart, clear improvement and incredible sacrifice, he has become Manchester's boxing hero.
Despite having four unappetizing losses and three draws on his regime, Crolla has gradually worked his way up the ladder while not only showcasing huge improvement, but heart and determination to succeed after countless setbacks in and out of the ring.
Taking the frightening risk of confronting burglars that a small minority would only have done epitomised the incredible graciousness and lack of fame-provoked ego Crolla has, and ultimately, warranted his 'The Million Dollar' nickname.
After getting his career back on track for the meantime, Crolla would then lose for a second time in his career. This time to the highly-rated but massive underdog Derry Mathews.
Tipped as the overwhelming favourite testament to his abilities and high potential, Crolla failed to deliver in the biggest fight of his life. After 18 minutes of war, his face was covered in blood from previous blows; a stagger backwards deriving from of a stinging left hook in the sixth provoked the referee to intervene and halt proceedings.
Seen as a potential stoppage win for Crolla by many, turned out the complete opposite as 'Dirty Derry' offloaded his own dirty assault inside six rounds to claim a shock victory and disrupt Anthony Crolla's momentum.
Despite this, the defeat wasn't a wasteful one with only oodles of disadvantages resulting from it. Crolla was just 26 but losing as the overwhelming favourite with many tipping him for a great deal of success in the future, he undoubtedly acquired more experience from that loss than he would have from a win over a fighter with evidently lower calibre than Mathews.
In an attempt to rebuild his career halted at the hands of Derry Mathews, Crolla turned his attention to the highly-competitive and unique Prizefighter tournament. Three-round fights and TV exposure on Sky Sports, it's a perfect platform to either kick-start or rebuild a career; the latter of course a target for the Mancunian.
But, his hopes of bouncing back from a surprising defeat were dashed. Gary Sykes, who has mixed with elite fighters and also beaten Tommy Coyle, emerged victorious over 'The Million Dollar' to mark his second defeat in three fights. It was initially disappointing, but despite this loss, Crolla still remained a hot prospect because losing a three-round fight is hardly devastating and many fighters who fell short in the tournament beforehand would often improve, build on their losses and even exceed expectations.
Prizefighter is not the be all or end all. In fact, short fight defeats are much less damaging than 10-12 round ones in which many fighters endure a hammering throughout the contest and are left with ruinous effects that can often force retirement.
But still, even after defeat, Crolla would not be denied of progression through the lightweight ranks. Under his trainer Joe Gallagher, they both worked on his mistakes and set out intentions to return better and stronger.
Taking the frightening risk of confronting burglars that a small minority would only have done epitomised the incredible graciousness and lack of fame-provoked ego Crolla has, and ultimately, warranted his 'The Million Dollar' nickname.
Laying in the hospital bed just weeks away from his first ever world title challenge would only motivate him. It would only drive him to achieve the dream. It would only inspire him to never give up, and to also set the perfect platform to succeed.
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| Crolla in hospital alongside his partner last year. Image: BBC Sport |
Crolla, however, suffered two defeats in the first three years of his professional career; losing the first to Youssef Al Hamidi by decision over eight rounds. Despite a disappointing setback in losing the undefeated record, which is highly protected by many fighters, he was still very ripe at the age of just 22.
After getting his career back on track for the meantime, Crolla would then lose for a second time in his career. This time to the highly-rated but massive underdog Derry Mathews.
Tipped as the overwhelming favourite testament to his abilities and high potential, Crolla failed to deliver in the biggest fight of his life. After 18 minutes of war, his face was covered in blood from previous blows; a stagger backwards deriving from of a stinging left hook in the sixth provoked the referee to intervene and halt proceedings.
Seen as a potential stoppage win for Crolla by many, turned out the complete opposite as 'Dirty Derry' offloaded his own dirty assault inside six rounds to claim a shock victory and disrupt Anthony Crolla's momentum.
Despite this, the defeat wasn't a wasteful one with only oodles of disadvantages resulting from it. Crolla was just 26 but losing as the overwhelming favourite with many tipping him for a great deal of success in the future, he undoubtedly acquired more experience from that loss than he would have from a win over a fighter with evidently lower calibre than Mathews.
In an attempt to rebuild his career halted at the hands of Derry Mathews, Crolla turned his attention to the highly-competitive and unique Prizefighter tournament. Three-round fights and TV exposure on Sky Sports, it's a perfect platform to either kick-start or rebuild a career; the latter of course a target for the Mancunian.
But, his hopes of bouncing back from a surprising defeat were dashed. Gary Sykes, who has mixed with elite fighters and also beaten Tommy Coyle, emerged victorious over 'The Million Dollar' to mark his second defeat in three fights. It was initially disappointing, but despite this loss, Crolla still remained a hot prospect because losing a three-round fight is hardly devastating and many fighters who fell short in the tournament beforehand would often improve, build on their losses and even exceed expectations.
Prizefighter is not the be all or end all. In fact, short fight defeats are much less damaging than 10-12 round ones in which many fighters endure a hammering throughout the contest and are left with ruinous effects that can often force retirement.
But still, even after defeat, Crolla would not be denied of progression through the lightweight ranks. Under his trainer Joe Gallagher, they both worked on his mistakes and set out intentions to return better and stronger.
Humble as ever after defeat, Crolla's positive attitude towards not only boxing but life in general seized him more fans in an always-growing fanbase. From the same city as British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, more resemblances of the 'Hitman' were beginning to emerge from Crolla's nonexistent ego, cordiality with fans but more importantly his ruthlessness in the ring.
Manchester were growing more fond of the 'Million Dollar' man testament to his ability to remain on the same wavelength of fans despite any potential temptations of growing an ego. After Ricky Hatton's retirement from the sport, Crolla slowly but surely began to emerge as the man to take his place as Manchester's hero.
His road to world stardom endured difficult setbacks, but Anthony Crolla's heart and willingness to accept a defeat, learn and improve alongside his long-time trainer Joe Gallagher clawed him back from every loss and propelled him into another big fight.
On March 30th, 2013, Anthony Crolla locked horns with Derry Mathews in a rematch following the Mancunian's knockout defeat in 2012.
The fight was shown live and exclusively on Sky Sports with a sold-out, raucous Echo Arena largely supporting Derry Mathews with the minority of Mancunians cheering on Crolla.
Despite losing the first fight, Crolla was the favourite to make amends in the rematch. His improvement as a professional was evident, and the 'Million Dollar' boxed well in the early rounds to disrupt Mathews' momentum. Crolla camped on the backfoot and blocked a large number of The Liverpudlian's shots. After a cagey opening, Mathews then began to acquire success in the middle rounds when Crolla slumped into a lull. The crowd vibrantly backed Mathews and fight favourite Crolla's chances gradually faded as the boxers entered the late rounds.
But, as Mathews, after his mid-fight success thought he had Crolla sussed, the Mancunian somehow grinded out a late rally to secure rounds and avoid defeat. Testament to his heart and determination, Crolla then cancelled out Mathews' early work and grinding out a late rally which comprised piercing jabs and stinging right hands to extent of snapping Mathews' head back at full force.
But, to further epitomise the balance of the fight, the Liverpudlian landed his best punch of the fight; Crolla absorbed it, acknowledged it, grinned and the closely-matched war recommenced despite evident tiredness creeping into these two respected warriors.
After what seemed an implausible victory during his lull in the middle rounds, yet again against all odds, Anthony Crolla dug deep despite being encompassed by a Liverpudlian pro-Mathews crowd which often impelled negative hollers towards the Mancunian everytime he landed a clean punch.
The bell sounded after two former enemies turned cordial warriors predictable celebrated but more importantly embraced in front of once a pro-Mathews crowd, converting into even cheers for both men who undoubtedly gained the respect of thousands in attendance and millions watching at home. As Crolla and Mathews, both exhausted from a 12-round slugfest anticipated the winner - a round of boos suddenly sounded when it was announced deciding judge Steve Gray scored the contest a 115-115 draw.
The whole point of the rematch squandered; it still didn't prevent Anthony Crolla from improving and progressing through the lightweight ranks as the 'Million Dollar' man jumped straight into a fight with the highly-rated and former world champion Gavin Rees.
The Bolton Arena would play host to another enthralling tear-up and one which showcased the improvement, heart and determination of Anthony Crolla to once again clamber from behind during the middle-rounds; pouring on a late onslaught to claim a hard-earned points victory over Gavin Rees.
Subsequently, Rees' rugged and intense brawling style culminated in a similar fight to Derry Mathews - Crolla endured tough punishment in the early rounds - bar dyads of impressive shots himself but it contained the same story and resembled the recipe of a late Crolla rally in the later rounds.
The Mancunian was trailing after a lightening start from Rees, but the latter began to slow down and Crolla's class exhibited during another late resurgence. The contest was neck-and-neck on the scorecards, but the tiredness of Rees which allowed Crolla to capitalize on proved to be decisive as in the final round with both men needing grandstand finishes, the 'Million Dollar' man evidently had the edge and won a majority decision.
After defeating Stephen Foster, a Manchester derby would commence between Anthony Crolla and John Murray. Murray, a former Joe Gallagher fighter, was stopped in the 10th round.
This was rightfully regarded as one of Crolla's best wins; showcasing his all-round abilities which varied from retaining an impeccable defence to then ruthlessly dissecting Murray for a 10th round stoppage.
His rival, though, set a velocious pace early on and intentionally tested Crolla's defence and ability to withstand punishment. Testament to his continuous improvement, he passed with flying colours. Murray still ambitiously romped forward and piled on the pressure; winning the matrimony of the opening rounds to reward his substantial effort but still failed to truly hurt Crolla which was a clear objective of his.
Murray wanted to beat Joe Gallagher more than Anthony Crolla. Proving Gallagher wrong after parting ways was high on his agenda; perhaps the aggressive nature of Murray's work throughout the fight unwillingly made him a sitting target for Crolla who, after impeccably defending early in the stages of the fight, rallied late and piled more problems on Murray after his nasty cut. Towards the late rounds, Murray gradually gassed and Crolla upped the tempo in pursuit of a stoppage.
After a brutal left hand that dropped Murray down to the canvas in exhaustion and desperation mode - Crolla knew his time was coming as later in the round the Mancunian battered his rival with a barrage of shots - forcing the stoppage to put an exclamation mark on his performance. Jumping to the turnbuckle in elation, fans embraced as the Manchester derby concluded.
Anthony Crolla had beaten John Murray and yet again showcased his tremendous skills and improvement in every department.
This was rightfully regarded as one of Crolla's best wins; showcasing his all-round abilities which varied from retaining an impeccable defence to then ruthlessly dissecting Murray for a 10th round stoppage.
His rival, though, set a velocious pace early on and intentionally tested Crolla's defence and ability to withstand punishment. Testament to his continuous improvement, he passed with flying colours. Murray still ambitiously romped forward and piled on the pressure; winning the matrimony of the opening rounds to reward his substantial effort but still failed to truly hurt Crolla which was a clear objective of his.
Murray wanted to beat Joe Gallagher more than Anthony Crolla. Proving Gallagher wrong after parting ways was high on his agenda; perhaps the aggressive nature of Murray's work throughout the fight unwillingly made him a sitting target for Crolla who, after impeccably defending early in the stages of the fight, rallied late and piled more problems on Murray after his nasty cut. Towards the late rounds, Murray gradually gassed and Crolla upped the tempo in pursuit of a stoppage.
After a brutal left hand that dropped Murray down to the canvas in exhaustion and desperation mode - Crolla knew his time was coming as later in the round the Mancunian battered his rival with a barrage of shots - forcing the stoppage to put an exclamation mark on his performance. Jumping to the turnbuckle in elation, fans embraced as the Manchester derby concluded.
Anthony Crolla had beaten John Murray and yet again showcased his tremendous skills and improvement in every department.
After a succession of victories against John Murray and Gavin Rees - a long-awaited world title shot arrived for Anthony Crolla but then just weeks prior to his huge fight against Richar Abril - disaster struck.
After confronting burglars near his home in Chadderton, Crolla was smashed over the head by a concrete slab and also suffered a broken ankle. His dream cutting short was a devastating blow, but from his kindness and willingness to risk everything simply for another neighbour epitomises how humble Crolla is regardless of boxing fame.
Shortly after his discharge from hospital back to home with family over Christmas, Crolla and trainer Joe Gallagher launched minor-training sessions and gradually increased the volume when the Mancunian slowly recovered. By this time, he would have been around about, or may have even contested his previously scheduled world title fight. Agonized from the attacks, disappointed that the propeller from domestic to world level allowing him to seize more money to buy his parents a dream home, and robbed from an opportunity some talented contenders never got the chance to acquire.
But, it had its own blessings disguised in Crolla's sheathed frustration - the hunger and willingness to prove doubters wrong and make his family proud drove the 'Million Dollar' man to eventually success, a year after suffering this terrible setback.
After a series of complications and lack of title defences, Richar Abril was stripped as WBA lightweight champion; Darleys Perez secured the strap and Anthony Crolla's dream was back on.
He says he never lost hope of becoming a world champion - testament to his forever positive attitude. He grew more fans and more respect after his actions - and more resemblances of a Ricky Hatton began to show as Crolla, always humble despite setbacks, finally challenged for his world title against Darleys Perez at the Manchester Arena on July 18.
Regardless of the outcome, Anthony Crolla was a true hero. The agonizing pain, but more importantly his kindness to those 'supposed' to be levels below him were true examples of the great human being he is.
With a raucous Manchester crowd evidently supporting Crolla, his time had finally come. After the introductions, it was time for the 29-year old to fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming world champion. Crolla started the fight well; often frustrating Perez with his swift movement and ability to enter close range and quickly remove himself from the danger of being counter punched.
Perez found success in the second; testing Crolla's toughness with hard, stamina-extracting shots but the Mancunian absorbed well and fired his own assaults at different stages of each round. Crolla and Gallagher clearly had a gameplan to outwork and out-punch the champion. It definitely worked, as Crolla regularly made Perez miss to further underline the Colombian's frustration.
Perez did, however, stage a fightback during the middle rounds with eye-catching shots but Crolla once again absorbed them well and matched the visitor's workrate. Towards the end of the fight, optimism began to grew and Crolla, his team and the fans in attendance believed the 'impossible dream' after the agony he suffered last year was turning into reality.
The 'Million Dollar' man continued to pile the pressure on Perez in the latter rounds, and the aggressive nature of Perez in desperation mode provoked a penalization of two points to further benefit Crolla's chances. Joe Gallagher's fighter, who had stuck to the gameplan all night, continued to do so; continuously boxing at long range to avoid any late catastrophes and hear the final bell. He did, then jumped on the shoulders of his team and embraced.
Most fans, Crolla himself, trainer Joe Gallagher and Eddie Hearn were among those celebrating and expecting The Mancunian's name to be read out as the victor. But, more agony and frustration transpired as a majority draw was announced; Darleys Perez retained his title leaving many feeling Crolla was robbed.
After the painful setback suffered in December 2014 and cancellation of his previously scheduled world title fight, it was another hurtful and demoralizing blow to Crolla but he remained humble in defeat, acknowledged the classiness of Darleys Perez and praised the Manchester crowd for the unconditional support.
Following his draw that probably felt more of a defeat, Anthony Crolla's team then sealed a rematch against The Colombian on November 21. Same arena, same title, same fighters, bigger stakes.
Billed by many as a 'bid for revenge' - Crolla insisted he had vastly improved since their first fight and Darleys Perez also vowed to set the record straight after the pair's controversial draw.
As the highly-anticipated rematch commenced, it proved to be a closely-matched affair due to familiarity and curiosity. Both feeling each other out, an argument for either fighting winning the first couple of rounds could have been made.
Crolla established his jab in the early stages and made Perez, who was winding up the big shots, miss frequently. As the Manchester crowd continued to support Crolla, the Mancunian upped the tempo in search of eye-catching success. In doing so, looking to make a statement, the 29-year old backed Perez up against the ropes and after landing a small barrage of shots, landed a hurtful left hook to the midsection.
The body shot heard around the world - the Colombian winced in pain and slowly collapsed to the canvas. With his face down and the referee quickly counting, optimism within the crowd grew. Perez is a tough champion but was severely hurt and failed to make it to his feet. The referee counted him out. Anthony Crolla, the moment the fight was halted, passionately embraced with his team as fans in attendance raucously celebrated.
His boyhood dream had turned into reality. After the devastating setback suffered last in December 2014, he was beyond lucky to be even contesting a boxing match. Anthony Crolla would not be denied of world title glory.
Reminiscent of Ricky Hatton's famous victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 at the Manchester Arena itself, a new world champion in Anthony Crolla was born. Hatton and Crolla, both emanating from the same city, have many similarities. A wild fanbase, humble outside of the ring, ruthless inside of it.
More importantly for Anthony Crolla, this was one of the greatest moments in his entire life. From his knockout loss to Derry Mathews in 2012, to eventually climbing his way to a deserved world title fight, for it then to be cancelled due to a horrifying experience with burglars, and finally after an agonizing draw, seizing the moment and knocking out a respected champion in front of his home crowd to become the WBA lightweight champion.
Manchester has a boxing hero and his name is Anthony Crolla.
After confronting burglars near his home in Chadderton, Crolla was smashed over the head by a concrete slab and also suffered a broken ankle. His dream cutting short was a devastating blow, but from his kindness and willingness to risk everything simply for another neighbour epitomises how humble Crolla is regardless of boxing fame.
Shortly after his discharge from hospital back to home with family over Christmas, Crolla and trainer Joe Gallagher launched minor-training sessions and gradually increased the volume when the Mancunian slowly recovered. By this time, he would have been around about, or may have even contested his previously scheduled world title fight. Agonized from the attacks, disappointed that the propeller from domestic to world level allowing him to seize more money to buy his parents a dream home, and robbed from an opportunity some talented contenders never got the chance to acquire.
But, it had its own blessings disguised in Crolla's sheathed frustration - the hunger and willingness to prove doubters wrong and make his family proud drove the 'Million Dollar' man to eventually success, a year after suffering this terrible setback.
After a series of complications and lack of title defences, Richar Abril was stripped as WBA lightweight champion; Darleys Perez secured the strap and Anthony Crolla's dream was back on.
He says he never lost hope of becoming a world champion - testament to his forever positive attitude. He grew more fans and more respect after his actions - and more resemblances of a Ricky Hatton began to show as Crolla, always humble despite setbacks, finally challenged for his world title against Darleys Perez at the Manchester Arena on July 18.
Regardless of the outcome, Anthony Crolla was a true hero. The agonizing pain, but more importantly his kindness to those 'supposed' to be levels below him were true examples of the great human being he is.
With a raucous Manchester crowd evidently supporting Crolla, his time had finally come. After the introductions, it was time for the 29-year old to fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming world champion. Crolla started the fight well; often frustrating Perez with his swift movement and ability to enter close range and quickly remove himself from the danger of being counter punched.
Perez found success in the second; testing Crolla's toughness with hard, stamina-extracting shots but the Mancunian absorbed well and fired his own assaults at different stages of each round. Crolla and Gallagher clearly had a gameplan to outwork and out-punch the champion. It definitely worked, as Crolla regularly made Perez miss to further underline the Colombian's frustration.
Perez did, however, stage a fightback during the middle rounds with eye-catching shots but Crolla once again absorbed them well and matched the visitor's workrate. Towards the end of the fight, optimism began to grew and Crolla, his team and the fans in attendance believed the 'impossible dream' after the agony he suffered last year was turning into reality.
The 'Million Dollar' man continued to pile the pressure on Perez in the latter rounds, and the aggressive nature of Perez in desperation mode provoked a penalization of two points to further benefit Crolla's chances. Joe Gallagher's fighter, who had stuck to the gameplan all night, continued to do so; continuously boxing at long range to avoid any late catastrophes and hear the final bell. He did, then jumped on the shoulders of his team and embraced.
Most fans, Crolla himself, trainer Joe Gallagher and Eddie Hearn were among those celebrating and expecting The Mancunian's name to be read out as the victor. But, more agony and frustration transpired as a majority draw was announced; Darleys Perez retained his title leaving many feeling Crolla was robbed.
After the painful setback suffered in December 2014 and cancellation of his previously scheduled world title fight, it was another hurtful and demoralizing blow to Crolla but he remained humble in defeat, acknowledged the classiness of Darleys Perez and praised the Manchester crowd for the unconditional support.
Following his draw that probably felt more of a defeat, Anthony Crolla's team then sealed a rematch against The Colombian on November 21. Same arena, same title, same fighters, bigger stakes.
Billed by many as a 'bid for revenge' - Crolla insisted he had vastly improved since their first fight and Darleys Perez also vowed to set the record straight after the pair's controversial draw.
As the highly-anticipated rematch commenced, it proved to be a closely-matched affair due to familiarity and curiosity. Both feeling each other out, an argument for either fighting winning the first couple of rounds could have been made.
Crolla established his jab in the early stages and made Perez, who was winding up the big shots, miss frequently. As the Manchester crowd continued to support Crolla, the Mancunian upped the tempo in search of eye-catching success. In doing so, looking to make a statement, the 29-year old backed Perez up against the ropes and after landing a small barrage of shots, landed a hurtful left hook to the midsection.
The body shot heard around the world - the Colombian winced in pain and slowly collapsed to the canvas. With his face down and the referee quickly counting, optimism within the crowd grew. Perez is a tough champion but was severely hurt and failed to make it to his feet. The referee counted him out. Anthony Crolla, the moment the fight was halted, passionately embraced with his team as fans in attendance raucously celebrated.
His boyhood dream had turned into reality. After the devastating setback suffered last in December 2014, he was beyond lucky to be even contesting a boxing match. Anthony Crolla would not be denied of world title glory.
Reminiscent of Ricky Hatton's famous victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 at the Manchester Arena itself, a new world champion in Anthony Crolla was born. Hatton and Crolla, both emanating from the same city, have many similarities. A wild fanbase, humble outside of the ring, ruthless inside of it.
More importantly for Anthony Crolla, this was one of the greatest moments in his entire life. From his knockout loss to Derry Mathews in 2012, to eventually climbing his way to a deserved world title fight, for it then to be cancelled due to a horrifying experience with burglars, and finally after an agonizing draw, seizing the moment and knocking out a respected champion in front of his home crowd to become the WBA lightweight champion.
Manchester has a boxing hero and his name is Anthony Crolla.
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