Anthony Crolla won the WBA world lightweight title with his stoppage of Darleys Perez last week

It was a privilege to be ringside last week to see Anthony Crolla win the WBA world lightweight title with his stoppage of Darleys Perez.

Given that it’s almost that time of year again, it’s hard to think of many sportsmen or women better qualified than Crolla to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Crolla, who sustained a fractured skull after he was attacked when he tackled burglars last year, personifies decency and dignity in sport, he represents the triumph of the underdog and a refusal to give in. It should be him or Stuart Broad, who did so much to lead England to the Ashes last summer, for the main prize. Team of the year, surely, will be Britain’s Davis Cup finalists. say some things about this man.