Champ Crolla cherishes the family life

Boxing: ANTHONY ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla has enjoyed the limelight that comes with being a world boxing champion – but he’s still the same old loving family man inside.

The 29 year old wrote his name into Manchester folklore in November when he knocked out tough-as-teak Colombian Darleys Perez to win the WBA world lightweight title. That came less than 12 months after the now infamous tussle with would-be burglars outside his Chadderton home that resulted in a fractured skull and broken ankle.

Crolla bounced back heroically to win his dream title in front of his Manchester fans, but after a short break away from the ring, he is now working harder than ever for his first world title defence against unbeaten Venezuelan Ismael Barroso at the Manchester Arena on May 7.

Asked whether the Perez victory was a real game-changer, down-to-earth Crolla told the Chronicle: “My life hasn’t changed that much to be honest. I still love being at home with my missus and my little boy keeps running rings around me.

“I get a lot more attention now and I do get invited to some nice events, but that’s something I’m happy with. They say a title improves a fighter, and I honestly believe I’ve improved a lot since November.

“My strength work is great and I’m beating training personal bests regularly now, even seven weeks out from the Barroso fight.”

Crolla’s multi award-winning trainer Joe Gallagher has ultimate faith in his charge once again.

While some punters wanted Crolla to take on Manchester rival – and WBO king – Terry Flanagan next, he has taken the arguably tougher route in beckoning Barroso.

There was no other choice, aside from vacating his title, something that Crolla would never have done.

Gallagher said: “We’re all confident for Anthony, of course, and Barroso is a very dangerous opponent. We won’t lose sight of that.”