British boxing trainer Joe Gallagher has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer.
The 56-year-old has trained several world champions, including Natasha Jonas and Anthony Crolla. After receiving the diagnosis in November, Gallagher is now undergoing chemotherapy. “It’s been a lot to take in over these past few months. I just wanted to carry on as normal as possible while I tried to process thing,” Gallagher said in a statement. “I would like to say no matter how busy life gets, your health should always come first.
“We can overlook things and put things off because we’re always so ‘busy’, but ultimately there’s nothing more important than your health. I didn’t have any major symptoms, so if you feel something isn’t right, no matter how small, please don’t put it off – please go and get checked, as it could save your life.”
Gallagher was quick to praise the support of his loved ones as well as his fighters, who are right by his side as he continues to battle the disease. One of his star fighters, Jonas, is due to go head-to-head with Lauren Price on March 7 in London.
“I know I have to prioritise my health at this time, yet boxing is giving me that bit of escapism I need right now. As I go through my own battle, being around an incredible team of fighters is helping me continue to do what I love,” he continued. “I’ve only just begun my fightback against this disease, there’s still so much I am processing, which is very hard to talk about right now; it’s also a very difficult time for my family and friends too.”
As well as Jonas, the 56-year-old also trains former WBO cruiserweight champion and current heavyweight star Lawrence Okolie – who is scheduled to fight Richard Riakporhe in Manchester on April 5. Gallagher began his career as a trainer over two decades ago and has gone on to corner multiple legends of the sport from his gyms in Bolton and Moss Side.
In 2015, the legendary trainer Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year due to his work with Scott Quigg, Liam Smith and Crolla. That year, Quigg retained his WBA junior-featherweight title against Kiko Martinez, whilst Smith won and defended his WBO junior middleweight title against John Thompson and Jimmy Kelly.
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