John Breen has been hounding Paddy Gallager to be more fox than bear ever since they former Commonwealth winner walked into his gym.

The experienced trainer wants the welterweight prospect to use skill as well as will to win bouts. The ‘Pat Man’s’ approach has appeared somewhat more refined in his three wins since joining Breen this time last year, but he admits his new coach is demanding more.

In fairness to Gallagher, in William Warburton and Liam Griffiths in particular, he has fought opponents that are as hard to look good against as it is to look good in leather trousers, and he points out the improvements he is making in the gym may not be seen till he trades shots with a fighter with some ambition.

The 26 year old returns to action at the Waterfront this weekend unaware of who will man the opposite corner, but is hopeful he will be provided with some form of test.

“I’m not 100% on the opponent. I thought I know who it was but heard it’s a different now,” a relaxed Gallagher told Irish-boxing.com

“We will see on Thursday. I just want a good fight with a good opponent. John said he wants me boxing more. He has been hounding me to box more the minute I walked into his gym. I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. I really think a tougher and better opponent will bring out the best in me.”

Gallagher is not likely to be handed an opponent outside the journeyman field on the eagerly anticipated All or Nothing fight card at the Waterfront this Friday night, but he is delighted with the chance to push his record to 9-2 on such an exciting show.

“It’s good to be on such a good card, it’s a big show with a real big headliner for a ‘small hall show’ so buzzing for it.”