Headline NewsNewsPro News

Paddy Gallagher to fight Conor Benn in Matchroom’s Fight Camp series?

If Chris Jenkins doesn’t agree to defend his British and Commonewealth titles against Conor Benn [16-0] on Matchroom’s proposed Fight Camp Paddy Gallagher [16(10)-6(0)] may get a call.

The Wales v England title fight looked a dead cert for the first of four cards set for Matchroom head quarters.

Matchroom boss Hearn has talked positively with regard to it playing out, while Benn has suggested the pair had agreed to fight in principle.

However, the boxing grape vine now suggests talks are not going down pricey bottle of wine smooth.

Indeed, rumour suggests Matchroom are covering their bases and reaching out to others around the weight and Gallagher could benefit.

‘The Pat Man’ would prefer a shot at old foe Jenkins considering the manner in which he lost to him in August of last year.

The Commonwealth Games medalist saw a clash with Jenkins stopped due to cuts and lost on the scorecards.

Unfortunately the stoppage came just as the BBBofC Celtic and Irish title winner was getting on top and had dropped his foe. However, the real hurt came when video replays suggested both cuts had come from Gallagher punches rather than accidental clashes of heads as the referee had ruled, meaning the Belfast man could argue he should be in possession of the titles.

A rematch has never looked on the cards, but it’s one Gallagher would like. However, there would be a next best element to a Benn fight. The Matchroom fighter, son of British boxing legend and former Steve Collins foe Nigel Benn, doesn’t bring titles to the table, but he does brings Sky Sports backing.

The 23-year-old would also afford Gallagher the chance to appear on one of the Fight Camp cards and thus increase his profile. Not to mention if Benn was in line to fight Jenkins a win for one of Irish boxing’s real characters would allow him to call for the rematch.

Matchroom and TV viewers may also benefit, as the match up has the makings of a fan friendly fight.

Benn seems to hold a similar aggressive approach Gallagher and with 21 knockouts between them it seems either could touch the canvas at any given time.

When contact Gallagher elected against comment, but did revel he had been training for a possible July Belfast return inadvertently suggesting he would be ready if called upon.

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

x