Free agent Gallagher wants the hot prospect label back

FORMER Commonwealth Gold medal winner Paddy Gallagher is a free agent and looking for a management team that will help him progress from prospect to contender.

‘The Pat Man’ has parted company with manager John Rooney, splitting on good terms after his contract ran out and is now eager to explore new promotional and management opportunities.

“It was time to move on, as our contract had run out we had a mutual agreement re parting ways. I have spoken to a couple of managers but haven’t made my mind up as to what to do as of yet. I’m going to see what’s on the table first and then make a choice as to what is best for my career,” Gallagher told Irish-boxing.com.

Gallagher turned pro in late 2012 and despite some injury set backs the fighter deemed a hot prospect impressed his way to 4-0, winning three of his fights by stoppage.

The Belfast man then entered Prizefighter hoping to progress his career to the next level, but was involved in a bizarre tournament. Despite losing his opening bout the 25 year old made the final after Erick Ochieng collapsed after defeating Gallagher. An exhausted and knock out hungry Gallagher then lost the final to Johnny Coyle.

Gallagher was self critical after the event claiming he took the wrong approach into the knock out tournament. Indeed Gallagher claims the tournament that helped shape the careers of Martin Rogan, Willie Casey and to a lesser extent Eamonn O’Kane hampered his progress.

He is now keen to move on and wants to fight the best Ireland has to offer at welterweight over the coming year to prove he is worthy of the ‘hot prospect’ label.

“We have sorted other things in the camp since Prizefighter.  I’ll be back to my best and showing why I was deemed such a prospect. I want to put behind me what happened in April.

“In truth that was a step back for me and now it’s time to take many steps forward. I will look to fight the top Irishmen at my weight who are within reach over the next year and prove myself.”