Undefeated McKinson can have it but only in Belfast says Paddy Gallagher

 

Paddy Gallagher [16(10)-5(0)] has told Michael McKinson [16(2)-0] he can have it, but only in Belfast. 

The eve- entertaining welter has revealed he was offered a chance to trade leather with the former Belfast based Portsmouth fighter.

However, Gallagher, who only last Friday defeated Liam Wells in the Ulster Hall on an entertaining #MTKFightNight card, would have had to be ready in just four weeks’ time and would have had to travel to Brentwood for the scrap.

Going on the road doesn’t appeal to the ‘Pat Man’ and as a result he turned it down.

The Commonwealth Games gold medal winner has traveled for the majority of what were built as breakthrough fights and seems to want home advantage when he steps up again.

The WBO European ranking title defeat suffered against Freddy Kiwitt played out at the York Hall, a controversial reverse to Brad Solomon was on American soil, whilst a domestic title eliminator against Tamuka Mucha was also hosted in London, as did Gallagher’s other two defeats in Prizefighter.

The 31-year-old doesn’t feel like risking another on the road clash, particularly at this stage of his career. Before Friday’s knockout win the popular character confirmed defeat would most likely result in retirement and it’s quite possible he still holds that mindset. In that regard he wants every advantage if he is to fight an undefeated 25-year-old southpaw.

The fighter, who has paid his dues in terms of fighting abroad, was almost apologetic when revealing he turned down the offer and claimed it is a fight he is interested in. However is adamant he wants it on his home patch.

“Yesterday I turned down a fight with (Michael McKinson) in four weeks time in Brentwood, ” Gallagher said on social media on Monday night.

“My reason was because I would love the fight in Belfast as I’ve always traveled for my significant fights. So all being well we can get the fighter here later in the year and he will get his wish for a domestic fight and won’t be avoided.

“I know what it’s like to get fights knocked back people not wanting to know. So the build up will be good and a lot on the line.”

Although he suggests it should play out later in the year if McKinson was to pull out of the Brentwood July 20th card and the fight be proposed for the massive August 3rd Féile fight night, Gallagher may accept the offer.