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.”
