BoxRec

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.”

Whenever a business ‘burns down’ the first thing comes to mind is an insurance job. Hope he gets his payout

Wee Tommy wrote: ↑30 Mar 2020, 06:11 Whenever a business ‘burns down’ the first thing comes to mind is an insurance job. Hope he gets his payout

Yeh, there was a number of businesses in the mill. Anyone of them could be the culprit. I drove past there on Oldham rd, Fire engines stiil out and road closed.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑30 Mar 2020, 06:41

Wee Tommy wrote: ↑30 Mar 2020, 06:11 Whenever a business ‘burns down’ the first thing comes to mind is an insurance job. Hope he gets his payout

Yeh, there was a number of businesses in the mill. Anyone of them could be the culprit. I drove past there on Oldham rd, Fire engines stiil out and road closed.

I see mate. Hopefully he’s not in a losing position because of it

Doesn't have much luck does he man!

Seems to be one of the most likeable guys in boxing. Hope Crolla's fortunes take a turn for the better.

When I drove past yesterday, the fire brigade were still putting out smoke. It smells really bad around there.

It's Oldham so it'll probably be turned into a mosque

Steel City wrote: ↑01 Apr 2020, 08:59 It's Oldham so it'll probably be turned into a mosque

Actually it's Failsworth, a majorty White area. Plus the building completely gone.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... e-18185010

CCTV has been released

Detectives investigating a 'completely reckless' arson attack on a mill have released CCTV footage of four suspects.

The footage captures one man carrying what appears to be a crowbar - and another running with two green cans.

A gym owned by former world boxing champion Anthony Crolla was one of several businesses destroyed in the resulting blaze at Morton Mill in Failsworth, Oldham.

The men, all dressed in black with their faces covered and gloves on, are captured running around the building and trying doors in the early hours of March 29.

Police said six businesses in total operated from the 106-year-old mill.

It's thought a number of gyms, a furniture store and a sign writing firm were based there.

All have been unable to open since the fire, police said.

Detectives said the fire 'could easily have had devastating consequences' but thankfully no-one was injured.

At the height of the blaze more than 40 firefighters were on the scene.

Pictures and video show flames shooting above the rooftops of surrounding buildings.

Police said they were called to the scene by the fire service at 5.30am.

Fire crews remained at the scene for days, making sure the blaze was fully extinguished and ensuring the building was structurally safe.

In a statement, GMP said: "Unfortunately, the fire was too severe to prevent major damage.

"Six businesses operate their services from the mill and have been unable to open since the fire.

"Following enquiries, detectives have established that the fire was started deliberately and have released CCTV footage from that morning as part of an appeal for information."

Detective Constable Steven Gilliland said: "This fire has affected a lot of people from business owners to the local community and whilst a month has passed, we're working hard to trace those responsible but we need the public's help.

"It goes without saying that this incident could easily have had devastating consequences but thankfully no-one was injured by the blaze that nine fire engines had to be deployed to tackle.

"This can only be described as a completely reckless crime and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, to get in contact with police."

One of the gyms involved was Fox Amateur Boxing Club, where Crolla honed his talents as a youngster.

The former WBA lightweight world champion, who now owns the club, told the Manchester Evening News: "It's heart-breaking to be honest.

"I can't get my head round it.

"I've got lots of great memories from there. I trained there as a kid, I trained there as a pro.

"But it's not just about me. It's about the kids in the club. It's about my friends who have other businesses in there.

"It's their whole livelihood.

"They've put so many hours in, they've put their hearts and souls into building up their businesses."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8999 or 101 quoting incident number 300 of 29/03/2020, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Clearly not a random attack.

Black Sam Bellamy wrote: ↑01 May 2020, 13:41 Clearly not a random attack.

Nice one Columbo

Old bones Ian wrote: ↑01 May 2020, 14:42

Black Sam Bellamy wrote: ↑01 May 2020, 13:41 Clearly not a random attack.

Nice one Columbo

Old bones Ian wrote: ↑01 May 2020, 14:42

Black Sam Bellamy wrote: ↑01 May 2020, 13:41 Clearly not a random attack.

Nice one Columbo

Crolla used to come in2 a club I used to do the door in Liverpool and was always a cheeky twat with other customers. The Lads used to have words with other punters to calm them down from trying to do him in a few times