Anthony Crolla has said that he is "fortunate to be alive" after being attacked by burglars earlier this month.
The boxer was left with a fractured skull and broken ankle after being hit by a concrete block when confronting intruders who had broken into his neighbours' home.
The injuries forced the 28-year-old to cancel his world title fight with Richar Abril, but he acknowledged that boxing took a back seat in such circumstances.
"At the end of the day, after what happened, I feel lucky. Alright, I've missed out on my dream fight but basically I'm fortunate to be alive. There are more important things than boxing," Crolla told the Manchester Evening News.
Crolla also revealed that he had been boosted by a supportive phone call from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
