JOE Gallagher and Matthew Macklin have reunited to work with a fighter who reminds the Manchester coach of all-action heroes Micky Ward and Miguel Cotto.
Macklin is managing Huey Malone and has taken the 2022 and 2023 NAC welterweight champion to train with Gallagher.
The 22-year-old from Coventry makes his pro debut on the Leigh Wood-Anthony Cacace bill in Nottingham on Saturday, May 10.
Macklin called Gallagher “the best trainer in Britain” when they worked together during his 35-6 pro career.
“Matthew brought Huey to me because of the relationship we had,” said Gallagher, currently fighting cancer.
“Matthew came to me on a downer and went on to beat Wayne Elcock (for the British title), Amin Asikainen (for the European title) and should have been world champion (he was beaten on a split by Felix Sturm).”
There are similarities between Macklin and Malone. As an 18-year-old, Macklin was crowned ABA welterweight champion in 2001, and Malone won the same title twice, two decades later. Both have Irish backgrounds and links to Coventry.
The West Midlands Motor City is Malone’s home and Macklin studied in the city before giving up on his Law degree to turn professional. Frank Warren was his first promoter and he’s added Malone to his stable.
Gallagher said: “Huey has a front foot style and looks for the body. He’s a million miles an hour and would fight all day long.
“He likes the inside fighters like Miguel Cotto and Micky Ward. He has the same mindset.”
Malone met Roberto Duran when he went to Gallagher’s gym earlier this year and Gallagher said: “He is one of Huey’s all-time heroes.
“He showed him a few tips and I think it blew his mind!
“He’s shown dedication to move up here and he gives 100 per cent in every session. Everything I have asked him to do, he has done.
“The front foot style is good for the pros, but he has to develop, mature and grow. It will take time. We will see where he is in four or five years’ time.”
