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Paddy Gallagher splits with trainer John Breen

Belfast welterweight Paddy Gallagher [10(6)-3(0)] has parted company with veteran trainer John Breen as he looks to enter the next chapter of his career.

The BBBoC Celtic champion confirmed the news to Irish-Boxing.com this evening and described how “I went to him and we had a chat. I just told him what I wanted to do and what I had in mind, he understood and thought that it was coming.”

“He’s told me what he plans to do in the future so I hope everything goes well for him and he’s happy where he is.”

The popular Lenadoon man fought six times under Breen, who he moved to after his defeats in Prizefighter. Wins over journeymen Liam Griffiths, Miguel Aguilar, and Willie Warburton were followed by a stunning stoppage victory against Tomas Bartunek. Gallagher then claimed a huge first round knockout against Tony Dixon to claim the Celtic title on hostile turf in Cardiff.

In his most recent fight, Gallagher lost a British title eliminator against Tamuka Mucha in a competitive ten-round clash which he started strongly but saw the Zimbabwean slowly wrangle control away from him.

The big-punching 27 year old explained that he is looking to implement some changes as he looks for a return to contention in 2017. Gallagher outlined how “it’s a hard business this sport, and for boxers it’s very short, so in my head there’s a couple of things I’d like to change so that I enjoy my career and make the most of it.”

“It’d be easy for me to stop fighting and be involved in a different way, but I haven’t got near to reaching my potential.

2010 Commonwealth gold medalist Gallagher is yet to decide upon a new coach, and is considering numerous options, noting how “I have one area of it covered, so I just need to get it all sorted and then it’s full steam ahead.”

“With the right team around me I’ll get where I want to be.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show

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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