Boxing: Coach Joe Gallagher announces cancer diagnosis
Boxing coach Joe Gallagher revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel and liver cancer.
Gallagher, 56, trained many world champions, including Natasha Jonas and Anthony Crolla.
The British man was diagnosed in November and has begun chemotherapy.
“In the past few months, it’s been a lot of time. I just want to be as normal as possible when trying to handle things,” Gallagher said.
“I want to say that no matter how busy your life is, your health should always come first.
“We can ignore things and postpone things because we are always so ‘busy’, but in the end there is nothing more important than your health.
“I don’t have any major symptoms, so if you feel something is wrong, no matter how small, don’t postpone it – go check it out because it can save your life.”
Gallagher praised his family and the support of the fighters, and Jonas plans to fight Lauren Price in London on March 7.
“I know I have to prioritize my health at the moment, but boxing gives me some escapism that I need right now. Being with an incredible team of warriors is helping me keep doing it while I’m in my own battles, being with an incredible team of warriors, is helping me keep doing it. My thing loves,” he said.
“I’m just starting to fight this disease, I’m dealing with too many things and it’s hard to talk about now; it’s also a very difficult time for my family and friends.”
Gallagher won Ring Magazine Coach of the Year in 2015. He was the first British coach to win the award.
Gallagher trained six world champions including Callum Smith, Liam Smith, Paul Butler and Lawrence O’Cole Lawrence Okolie).
