Renowned British boxing trainer Joe Gallagher has been battling stage four bowel and liver cancer since his diagnosis last November. The 56-year-old, who has led numerous fighters to glory including Natasha Jonas and Anthony Crolla, has since started chemotherapy treatments.. “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 things,” Gallagher disclosed. “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.”. Manchester-born Gallagher has also expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support from family, friends, and the boxing community alike. His fighters remain steadfast in their support as he faces this challenging ordeal, reports the Mirror.. Jonas is set to compete against 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,” added Gallagher.. “As I go through my own battle, being around an incredible team of fighters is helping me continue to do what I love. I’ve only just begun my fight back 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.”. In addition to training Jonas, the former amateur boxer also coaches former WBO cruiserweight champion and current heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie, who is set to face Richard Riakporhe in Manchester on April 5. Gallagher embarked on his coaching journey over 20 years ago and has since been in the corner for numerous boxing greats from his bases in Bolton and Moss Side.. Back in 2015, Gallagher was honoured with the prestigious Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year award for his exceptional work with Scott Quigg, Liam Smith, and Crolla. That year saw Quigg successfully defend his WBA junior-featherweight title against Kiko Martinez, while Smith claimed and defended his WBO junior middleweight title against John Thompson and Jimmy Kelly.
