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Paddy Gallagher wants a big name – calls out EVERYONE

Kell Brook, Amir Khan, Paddy Gallagher [15(9)-4(0)] wants them all in 2019.

The BUI and BBBofC Celtic champion outpointed Fernando Valencia on the ‘King of the Celts’ card last Friday night to bring to an end another eventful year for the Belfast fighter. 

Now having fought 19 times as a pro, competing in Prrizefighter, winning two belts and competing just short of top end domestic level Gallagher wants to kick on in 2019.

The likes of Brook and Khan might be dream bouts, but there are high-profile welters attainable for the infectious character.

New British champion Johnny Garton may not be too far out of reach.

Then there is the man Garton beat to claim the belt, former world title challenger Gary Corocran, who was meant to fight Gallagher last year until injury ruled the Belfast fighter out.

European champion Kerman Lejaragga is another target, as is the Commonwealth belt which is expected to be vacated by Olympian Josh Kelly.

Other targets include former British champ and European title challenger Bradley Skeete or former Irish champion and world title challenger Frankie Gavin. 

29-year-old Gallagher isn’t too fussed as to who it is he faces next, he just wants a high-profile fight.

Speaking after his six-round points win, Gallagher outlined how he wants Garton – and anyone else of relevance.

“I’d fight him [Garton] no problem,” stated the Lenadoon favourite

I just want to fight big names. There’s Skeete, there’s Frankie Gavin, there’s Kelly, there’s fucking Khan and Brook, any of them.”

“I know them top two won’t fight me, they’re way, way above on the top level but I’d fight any of them from Britain Ireland or Europe. I fucking want them!”

“I’d rather fight a big lad than that wee tough bastard I fought tonight!”

‘The Pat Man’ has been on the verge of a British shot for some time now and believes he has earned a crack at one of the big ones outside of a world title.

“I’m ranked No. 6 in Britain now [on BoxRec]. I’ve been next in line for a title shot for a while and I’d fight for the Commonwealth or European title too,” he added before reflecting on his victory over Mexican opposition.

“He’d only been stopped once before. He’s a typically tough Mexican. I enjoyed it in there.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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