Anthony Crolla: Former world champion ‘heartbroken’ after gym burns down

The former lightweight world champion has been left devastated by the news

Crolla has been left devastated by the news (Getty)

Former world champion Anthony Crolla admits he is “heartbroken” after a fire destroyed his Oldham gym.

The 33-year-old, who previously held the WBA lightweight title and retired in November, began his amateur career at the gym before taking it over 18 months ago.

Crolla told the BBC: “The gym was packed out every night with kids, it was a big part of the community,

“The gym is destroyed, the building is just a shell. There are a lot of other businesses, this is not just about me. This is people’s livelihoods.

“We will come back better than ever, without a doubt, but I am worried with the current coronavirus situation that it will take more time.

“And while I am devastated, I understand that there are bigger things happening.

“There are people who are losing their lives all the time. You have to put things into perspective. I know that as a young amateur club we will come back better than ever and come through this.”