Joe Gallagher’s motivation to continue in boxing is no longer solely driven by his lifelong passion for the sport. Instead, he has become increasingly aware of the passage of time and his own mortality. At 54 years old, he often reflects on the number 44, the age at which his mentor, Phil Martin, passed away. This number now acts as a reminder of Gallagher’s gratitude for still being able to do what he loves and the tragic loss of a young Phil Martin in 1994.
As one grows older, they gain a certain introspection and perspective that comes with age. Gallagher has come to understand the impact of his mentor as he himself exceeds the age at which Martin passed away. This realization has transformed his drive and ambition, replacing it with the wisdom of a more mature and contemplative man.
Gallagher admits that there have been times when he contemplated retirement from the sport. However, his love for boxing and his good health keep him motivated to continue. He wants to inspire the next generation and carry on the success story of Phil Martin and Champs Camp, where he trained as an amateur 36 years ago.
In order to reignite his passion, Gallagher has decided to return to his roots and relocate his stable of fighters from their old gym in Bolton to Phil Martin’s gym in Moss Side, Manchester. This move is not about grasping for something lost, but rather a way for Gallagher to reconnect with his beginnings and remind himself why he started in the first place.
The motivation behind this decision is to continue the legacy of Champs Camp and Phil Martin. Gallagher believes that boxing in Manchester wouldn’t be what it is today without Martin’s influence. Trainers like Oliver Harrison, Haroon Headley, Maurice Core, Billy Graham, Ricky Hatton, and Jamie Moore all trace their coaching success back to Martin. Gallagher wants to remind people of Martin’s importance and ensure that his legacy lives on.
Following Martin’s passing, Gallagher continued training at Champs Camp for a couple more years before branching out. He went on to train numerous successful boxers, including the Smith brothers, Anthony Crolla, and Scott Quigg. However, the gym itself went through a period where it produced few professional champions. This realization deeply saddened Gallagher when he participated in a documentary about boxing in Moss Side. He noticed a lack of awareness and the absence of professional boxers training at the gym.
This experience solidified Gallagher’s decision to return to Champs Camp. He felt it was the right moment and wanted to make the move when there was a lull in the fight schedule. Now back in the gym, surrounded by the memory of both living and departed boxing legends, Gallagher has wasted no time leaving his mark. He has added images of his own champions to the gym’s walls as a tribute and a continuation of Phil Martin’s work.
Gallagher emphasizes that he will never forget where he came from and the opportunity Martin gave him to start coaching. He sees himself as Gallagher’s Gym, currently based at Champs Camp in Moss Side. Without Martin’s support, Gallagher wouldn’t have achieved the success he enjoys today.
Returning to Champs Camp hasn’t required much adjustment for Gallagher. With their shared methods and outlook, it feels like he has simply come home. The gym is a continuation of Phil Martin’s legacy, and Gallagher is determined to honor it.
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