Crolla given all clear to resume career

By Gav Duthie: Anthony Crolla will be feeling a million dollars today as medical examinations have cleared him to resume his boxing career. It has been only two months since a horror incident involving an altercation with a home burglar left Crolla with a fractured skull. It was feared that he may need to retire but will now be again looking to win a world title. 

Anthony Crolla

He was only a couple of weeks away from a title shot against WBA champion Cuban fighter Richar Abril 19-3-1 (8). Abril is now due to face former Crolla foe Derry Matthews 37-9-2 (20) in defence of his title so no doubt Anthony will be looking to face the winner. Crolla’s career has went from strength to strength ironically after being knocked out by Liverpudlian Matthews in 7 rounds. He since fought Matthews to a draw in a rematch and beaten ex-world champion Gavin Rees, Stephen Foster Jnr and John Murray. Matthews move to Frank Warren/boxnation shelved any chance of a trilogy fight with Crolla but if he could beat Abril, I’m sure it could happen. 

Reality

Abril is a 2/7 favorite with the bookies to beat Matthews and he would be expected to beat Crolla also. Matthews points out that Abril is beatable having lost three times but all defeats have been by split decision so it would be difficult for Matthews to make his power show. Crolla will also need 1 or 2 tune up fights before he can challenge for a title. At the moment though I’m sure he will just be happy he can box again.