Anthony Crolla Manchester gym is destroyed in fire
Former WBA lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla says he is "absolutely heartbroken" after his gym was destroyed in a fire at a mill in Greater Manchester.
The Briton ended his 13-year professional boxing career with a win last November.
Crolla, 33, told the BBC he started his amateur career at the gym, before taking it over 18 months ago.
A number of other business were destroyed in the blaze, which started on Sunday morning at Morton Mill in Failsworth.
"The gym is destroyed, the building is just a shell. There are a lot of other business, this is not just about me. This is people's livelihoods," added Crolla.
"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."
Steve Jordan, incident commander with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Investigations are under way to try to determine the exact cause. We are working with various partners and also our fire investigation team to understand the origin of the fire."
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