England’s Anthony Crolla had finally gotten the opportunity he had wanted for his entire career: a shot at a world title, and on home turf in Manchester, no less.

The 28-year-old Crolla (29-4-2, 11 KOs), a pro since 2006, was due to challenge lightweight world titleholder Richar Abril on Jan. 23 but then suddenly the fight was off after Crolla suffered a fractured skull and broken ankle when he chased two burglars who had broken into a neighbor’s house.

Crolla spent time in the hospital and is now home resting and hoping still to fight again in the first half of the year.

“At first we were aiming for July, then we cut it back to June -- I honestly think I can be ready for May, late May,” Crolla said. “We'll see. I really believe that. Because I've gone through this and suffered this bit of heartache, I'll be even more focused than before.”

Crolla isn’t training yet but that did not stop him from paying a visit to trainer Joe Gallagher’s gym. Being around other boxers training got him excited about his return.

“The gym is like a family and we're all there for each other,” Crolla said. “The boys rallied around me when they heard and that support is massive. Without doubt I will be back in the ring and I will be gunning for another world title shot and looking to win it for all the people that have helped me since the attack.”

Said stablemate Stephen Smith: “It takes a special person to do what he did. A lot of people would have hid behind the curtains and called the police, but that’s not the kind of guy Anthony is. I want to see him boxing again and having him back in the gym was a great sight for all the boys.”

Crolla is unbeaten since 2012 and riding an eight-fight unbeaten streak (8-0-2), including a decision win against former junior welterweight titlist Gavin Rees and a 10th-round knockout of John Murray. One of the draws Crolla had was a three-round technical draw against former world titleholder Gamaliel Diaz.