Boxing trainers Joe Gallagher and Matthew Macklin have joined forces to train a fighter who reminds Gallagher of aggressive boxing icons Micky Ward and Miguel Cotto.
Macklin is currently managing Huey Malone and has brought the welterweight champion, who won NAC titles in 2022 and 2023, to train under Gallagher`s guidance.
The 22-year-old boxer from Coventry is set to make his professional debut on Saturday, May 10th in Nottingham, as part of the Leigh Wood-Anthony Cacace fight card.
Macklin has previously described Gallagher as “Britain`s best trainer” based on their successful partnership during Macklin`s own professional career, which spanned 35 wins and 6 losses.
Gallagher, who is currently battling cancer, stated, “Matthew brought Huey to me because of the strong relationship we developed.”
He added, “Matthew came to me during a difficult period in his career and went on to achieve significant victories, including wins against Wayne Elcock for the British title and Amin Asikainen for the European title. He was also very close to becoming a world champion in a fight against Felix Sturm.”
There are notable parallels between Macklin and Malone. Like Macklin in 2001, Malone also claimed the ABA welterweight title, but twice, twenty years later. Both boxers share Irish heritage and have connections to the city of Coventry.
Coventry is Malone’s hometown, and Macklin also lived and studied there before leaving his law degree to pursue professional boxing. Frank Warren was Macklin`s first promoter and now manages Malone as well.
Gallagher commented on Malone`s fighting style: “Huey adopts an aggressive, forward-moving style and targets his opponents` bodies. He is incredibly energetic and possesses relentless fighting spirit.”
“He admires inside fighters like Miguel Cotto and Micky Ward and shares their aggressive mindset.”
Malone had the opportunity to meet Roberto Duran earlier this year at Gallagher’s gym. Gallagher recounted, “Duran is one of Huey’s biggest heroes.”
“Duran shared some boxing tips with him, which was incredibly inspiring for Huey!” Gallagher added.
“Huey has shown great dedication by relocating here and consistently gives his all in every training session. He has fully committed to everything I`ve asked of him.”
“This aggressive, front-foot style is well-suited for professional boxing, but Huey still needs to develop and mature as a fighter. This will take time. We will assess his progress in the next four to five years.”
