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Paddy Gallagher has major New Year’s honours list

Paddy Gallagher [14(9)-4] wants to keep the ball rolling toward a world title shot he feels is deserved with victory in Belfast tomorrow night.

The popular ‘Pat Man’ has promised  to break out on a number of occasions since he turned over back in 2012, but has been handed his fair share of bad luck over the years meaning is has all but lived on the verge of big things.

Early Prizefighter entry proved bizarre, but ultimately unsuccessful before he suffered defeat in a ‘could have went either way clash’ which was billed as a title eliminator against Tamuka Mucha. 

The Belfast welter then went on to win the BBBofC Celtic title before  being controversially denied victory over Brad Solomon in the a high profile WBSS style tournament in America.

A broken jaw suffered during in sparring them prevented him from trying to take the scalp of Gary Corcoran and securing a shot at the British title.

However after stopping Jay Byrne to claim the BUI Celtic title at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in October the 29 year old is back to winning ways and believes he is on course for higher profile straps in 2019.

Gallagher first has to overcome Mexican Fernando Valencia [8(7)-4(1)] in Belfast tomorrow, but once that is achieved he is confident he is in a position for title tilts. 

“I’ve never made any secret over the fact I’d love to fight for British and Commonwealth titles but alongside that, I’d like to move on to fighting for a world ranking title,” said the entertaining puncher.

“I don’t care what version it is – whether it’s WBC, WBA, IBO, IBF, WBO. I just want to be in big fights and start establishing myself on the world stage.

“With MTK Global, I’ve been with them a bit more than 18 months and this is my eighth fight. Most have been big fights and it’s been unbelievable. It shows you how busy I’ve been and I’ve fought in America and headlined a show for the Celtic title.

“I want the momentum to continue. Everyone says it’s time for me to fight for big titles now. Hopefully something comes soon. I’m ranked well and hopefully I can fight for an International or Intercontinental title soon to get my world ranking up there.”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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