Former Prizefighter winner tells Tournament favourite Gallagher to be mean tonight

By Kevin Byrne follow Kevin on twitter @kevoobyrne

BELFAST’S. Paddy Gallagher has been installed as favourite for tonight’s Prizefighter in London.

Gallagher, a 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medal list, is a 2-1 bet ahead of the welterweight tournament.

Dublin’s Dean Byrne is second favourite at 4-1.

Eight boxers compete in Prizefighter and the winner must get through three fights to reach the top spot and claim the £32,000.

But – unlike the GAA – there will be no All-Ireland final on Sky Sports.

Gallagher will meet Eric Ochieng in the quarter-final, with Byrne up against Mark Douglas.

The unbeaten puncher is happy enough to be the favourite but knows that’s worth nothing if he can’t win his first bout.

Gallagher said: “I can’t wait for it and the weigh-in went well.

“It’s a bit flattering and I’m a bit surprised, but it’s given me more confidence.

“If out of all these lads in it, I’m the favourite, I must do something right. But I’m just focusing on Ochieng and then I’ll take it from there.”

If both Irishmen win, they will then clash in the semis.

Previous Irish winners of Prizefighter include Martin Rogan, Willie Casey and Eamonn O’Kane, who came out on top in a special one-off all-Irish edition at middleweight.

He said: “I’ve been sparring with Paddy Gallagher and giving him tips. Don’t sign autographs, don’t pose for pics.

“I said ‘Be mean and do what you have to do. It’s just nine rounds over three fights’ – I believe he can win it, for sure.”