Ready to go the Wells again – Gallagher admits he considered retirement
Paddy Gallagher [15(9)-5] reveals he came close to retiring post his WBO European title defeat to Freddy Kiwit as recent as February.
‘The Pat Man’ had hoped to use the ranking title and victory over unbeaten opposition as a spring board toward a world title shot, but after somewhat controversial defeat was considering hanging up the gloves.
In fact the BUI and BBBofC Celtic title winner admits it was the third time he effectively retired from the game only to be drawn back in.
“It was a melt after the Kiwitt fight and after that, I said I was retiring because I’ve fought at a high level and didn’t want to go back down a level,” the 30 year old explained.
“I’ve had 20 professional fights now and I’m 30 years of age. I don’t know when I’ll jack it in because I’ve said three times in the last year I was definitely done and now here I am with another good fight!”
The popular and entertaining fighter was coaxed off the retirement ledge and is back with another meaningful fight.
The fighter, who has displayed his bounce-back-ability over the years, has been handed a home town fight against undefeated Liam Wells [5(2)-0] and believes victory can put him back on the title trail.
“I plan to win this fight and hopefully it can tee up some kind of title fight at Féile an Phobail. Then I want to push onwards again.”
Wells has impressed since turning over and was last seen outpointing Jumanne Camero at York Hall – the second fighter with a winning record he has beaten in his fledgling career.
However, Gallagher believes the former kick boxer is there to be hit and plans on exploiting that fact.
“I know Liam is a former world champion kickboxer. He’s young and hungry and he’s as game as it gets but he’s also there to be hit,” he adds before expressing his excitment at fighting on ESPN+.
“As well as a dangerous opponent, I’ve also got ESPN+ cameras on me and that’s class. I’ve fought on lots of channels in Ireland, the UK and America so it’s great to be fighting on this platform.”
Gallagher versus Wells will play out at the famous Ulster Hall on a bill that also includes Tyrone McKenna vs. Darragh Foley for the WBC International super-lightweight title and Steven Ward vs. Liam Conroy for the WBO European light-heavyweight crown, Gallagher is fired up.
Starring on the undercard in Belfast are the likes of welterweight sensation Lewis Crocker, heavy-handed super-middleweight Taylor McGoldrick and highly-rated young middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko.
