‘I just love fighting’ – Scorned Paddy Gallagher can’t leave boxing just yet

Boxing has broken Paddy Gallagher‘s heart on numerous occasions but, like a scorned lover, he just can’t let it go.

The popular ‘Pat Man’ admits he was as close as can be to finally ending his relationship with fighting following his controversial Chris Jenkins defeat.

The Belfast welter flirted with a British and Commonwealth title win in front of a sold out Falls Park crowd back in August of last year. Gallagher [16(10)-6(0)] had seemingly turned the tide around and had wrestled his way on top going into the championships rounds.

However, the fight stopped short because of cuts over Jenkins’ eyes and went to the scorecards early. Many had Gallagher slightly ahead, but the result went the way of the away corner. To add insult to injury it has since emerged both cuts were caused by punches, meaning Gallagher should have won by stoppage.

Having been unfortunate on the road in close fights previous, such a decision at home hurt the entertaining 30-year-old bad. So hurt, in fact, he was close to calling it off forever, but he just can’t stay away.

Gallagher admits he loves fighting too much and is now back training for an April return and still hopes his love for boxing won’t prove unrequited and he will get something back this year.

The ever jubilant and buoyant puncher was concerned about being too negative with regard to his career and whats gone before, but when pushed he was honest about his thought process over the last few months.

“I’m sick of almost calling it a day. It’s a tricky one because I haven’t hit my peak yet but I’m getting older and getting over it in a way, but also love it and can’t get enough,” Gallagher explained to Irish-boxing.com.

“I’d a bit of time out where I enjoyed it, but maybe too much. I was going to get on with my life but I just love fighting so I always want more. Therefore I came back.”

Now he is back the Commonwealth Games medal winner wants a tune up on one of two MTK Fight Nights set for the last weekend of April.

Once that is out of the way he is open to all challenges except maybe a British title one.

“I’ll have a winnable fight to get me back to winning then if there’s anyone with a title that has the balls to fight me then it’s game on.”

Gallagher would love a rematch with Jenkins or to fight Johnny Garton if he beats the British and Commonwealth champion in April.

However, ‘The Pat Man’ doesn’t want the British title to be on the line if they do fight.

“The British title is a ‘poisoned chalice’ kind of thing, I chased it for ages then when I got [a shot] I got dirty Joe’d. So not the British title, but would definitely love on the Feile again and the Commonwealth title is what I want.”

Another fighter Gallagher has been linked with in recent times is Conor Benn. It’s a fight he is open to and one he thinks team Benn are sizing up.

” Nigel Benn was on liking one of my posts, bit weird and out of the blue so maybe he is scoping out. I’ve asked to fight Conor Benn,” adds the former BUI Celtic light middleweight champ before revealing he is open to becoming part of the domestic 154lbs division made hot by the likes of Eddie Treacy, Graham McCormack, Dominic Donegan and Owen Duffy at present.

“I have asked to fight a load of other good named fighters including the light middleweights. If it was the right option and I was happy with the circumstances then absolutely I’d fight those.”