A STUDENT from Blackburn is set to go the extra mile when he takes part in the Great Manchester Run alongside a boxing world champion.

Muhammad Mulla, 24, is one of 12 runners chosen to represent one for each round of a boxing fight, to be selected to run the 10k course on May 22 alongside current World Boxing Association lightweight champion Anthony Crolla.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It will be hectic May for Mr Mulla, who is studying for a masters degree in aeronautics at Manchester Metropolitan University, as he finishes his exams just three days before the race.

Mr Mulla, who is from Audley, was selected to be part of the 'Crolla Army' because of his fanatical support of boxing and his dedication to his studies.

Mr Mulla said: "I fought as a lightweight for the university, though my mum isn't keen on me becoming a boxer. I train in the gym twice a week and it's great to be selected as one of 'Crolla's Army.'

"Anthony is a role model both in and out of the ring and such a great guy.

"I finish my exams three days before the 10k so there's lot of studying and training involved at the moment."

Mr Crolla, who defends his title against against Venezuelan Ismael Barroso two weeks before the race, took time out of his preparations this week to give a personal pep talk to Mr Mulla, who wants to become a commercial airline pilot.

Mr Crolla will meet all of his teammates at the starting line of the race and they will then share experiences at the end. All the 'Crolla's army' runners will wear specially branded running shirts.

Mr Crolla said: "The Great Manchester Run is one of the greatest sporting events in the city.

"Just taking part as one of the 40,000 runners and being cheered through the city centre by thousands of supporters is incredible, but to have my own team is amazing.

"I take inspiration from my team of runners who include people who've fought major difficulties in their life, including cancer, to come back stronger. "Some have made big changes in the lives to get fit while others are raising money and awareness for important causes and in memory of loved ones."

Mr Crolla hit the headlines in December 2014 after a world title fight had to be cancelled after he confronted two burglars attempting to burgle his neighbour's house.

One of the intruders attacked him with a concrete slab, fracturing his skull and breaking his foot in two places.

To enter the Great Manchester Run go to www.greatrun.org/Manchester.