Former WBA lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla, who retired from the sport back in November after 13 years in the game, was hit with some hard news, after being informed that his gym was destroyed in a fire at a mill in Greater Manchester.

Crolla, 33-years-old, began his amateur career at that gym and took it over 18 months ago.

Steve Jordan, incident commander with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, told the BBC - "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."

Crolla's gym was among several businesses destroyed in the fire.

At the moment the gym was closed, as part of the restrictions in the UK due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"The gym was packed out every night with kids, it was a big part of the community," said Crolla to BBC.

"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. 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."