Anthony Crolla says he hopes to be home for Christmas after being hospitalised by burglars
BOXER Anthony Crolla has said he is determined to be home for Christmas after he was hospitalised tackling a burglar.
Mr Crolla's partner Fran Sanderson has been by his bedside
The 28-year-old was left with a fractured skull and broken ankle after he was allegedly smashed over the head with a concrete slab as he challenged two men suspected of stealing from his neighbour's house.
His injuries have forced the former British lightweight champion to cancel a world title fight in January.
Mr Crolla, who lives in New Moston with his partner Fran Sanderson and their one-year-old son Jesse, said: "My first battle is to get back for Christmas. It will be a special Christmas for my little boy Jesse.
"He always cheers me up and I'm sure he will in the next few days. Christmas Day will be special for him as he was only a few months old last year."
Known as 'Million Dollar Crolla', the United fan has been inundated with thousands of messages of support including one from Wayne Rooney, who tweeted 'get well soon mate. Devastated for you. Hope you have a speedy recovery mate.'
Mr Crolla suffered a fractured skull and broken ankle in the attack
Mr Crolla chased two people he said he saw in his neighbour's home.
He caught one of them, but said that the second then smashed a concrete slab into his head.
His trainer Joe Gallagher said: "He's really been cheered up by all the messages of support from all his friends in Manchester. There have been thousands.
"We've been saying we should be getting him some new gear for him when he's entering the ring. I told him 'maybe something like a caped crusader because you obviously think you are some kind of super hero don't you?'
"That raised a smile."
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being questioned by police.