Men behind the magic

Britain has more world champions than ever before, but who are the trainers masterminding the national boxing boom?

After Carl Frampton’s momentous victory over Leo Santa Cruz secured the WBA Super featherweight title, the UK boasts no fewer than 14 men in possession of world crowns, with several more surging towards chances to add to the tally.

Those guiding the fighters are not necessarily singing from the same hymn sheet (think back to Shane McGuigan’s on-stage shoving match ahead of Frampton v Scott Quigg), but rivalry can inspire trainers as well as boxers. Furthermore, public debate over Britain’s finest extends beyond the champions to their mentors.

Here, we profile some of the wise men helping their charges tighten the UK’s stranglehold on world boxing…

Joe Gallagher

For more than two months over the New Year, Gallagher trained a trio of world champions in Quigg, Liam Smith and Anthony Crolla. In January, he was named Trainer of the Year by the prestigious Ring Magazine and recently outlined his plans to guide Quigg back to the top, as well as oversee Callum Smith’s coronation.

Diligent and outspoken, Gallagher is not everyone’s cup of tea but his results speak for themselves. He has an uncompromising approach to fitness but it’s his tactical decisions that come under most scrutiny. The Mancunian was widely criticised for Quigg’s passive approach in the first half of the Frampton showdown but was then showered with praise for Crolla’s dismantling of the dangerous Ismael Barroso.

Dave Coldwell

One of the most likeable men in the sport, Coldwell returned to coaching at Tony Bellew’s request in 2014. Prior to that, he had cut down on working in the gym in order to focus on his …

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