AFTER 16 years in the World Class Programme (WCP) for boxing, GB Boxing’s Senior Podium Coaches Dave Alloway and Lee Pullen have announced their retirement.
Alloway and Cullen have been heavily involved in a rich period of amateur boxing for Great Britain, helping guide each of Anthony Joshua, Luke Campbell, Nicola Adams, Lauren Price and Galal Yafai to gold medals at the Olympic Games.
During Alloway and Cullen’s stint, Great Britain claimed over 100 medals at major competitions and picked up 16 Olympic medals in total, with the coaching duo operating the corner at each Olympic Games, World Championship, European Championship and Commonwealth Games since 2009.
GB Boxing Performance Director Rob McCracken spoke extremely highly of the accomplishments of Alloway and Cullen, describing their respective contributions to recent amateur success as ‘exceptional’, on the GB Boxing website.
“Dave and Lee have been outstanding coaches since joining GB Boxing and their contribution over the years has been nothing short of exceptional. Their fantastic achievements at the highest level of the sport are a testament to their strong leadership, their coaching and their ultimate dedication to the role.
“They have played a vital part in the development of hundreds of boxers across four Olympic cycles, building tremendous relationships with both athletes and staff along the way, and have continued the sustained success of our programme. Above all, they are great people and great friends, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside them.”
Meanwhile, 67-year-old Alloway spoke proudly upon reflection of his coaching career, admitting that he has been able to ‘live his dream’.
“I have been lucky enough to experience some wonderful times and the opportunity to be part of a home-based Olympic games at London 2012 is a particular highlight.
“I have been able to live my dream. My hobby became my job. A lot of people don’t get to do that, so I am very fortunate and forever grateful for everything.
“The success the organisation has had during the recent years is not by luck. It is down to good planning by good people all pulling together to help our boxers succeed and I have no doubts whatsoever that this will continue for many years to come knowing the high calibre of coaches and staff that work within the programme.”
While Pullen, 66, added that he had enjoyed every second of his time at GB Boxing.
“When I reflect on my time at GB Boxing, I have had a blessed career full of wonderful moments. I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity by Rob (McCracken) many years ago. I have learned so much along the way and hopefully I have passed that onto the boxers, staff and other coaches.
“In this job I have found myself placed into many different people’s lives. I have gained so many good memories from them and I hope that I have been able to return the favour and leave them with moments just as equally memorable.
“I am so thankful for everybody that has been part of this journey. Every second has been brilliant.”
Upon news of Alloway and Cullen’s retirement, farewells and thankyou’s have flooded in from GB Boxing fighters of old across social media.
Nicola Adams – “Absolute legends, it was a pleasure to have you both in my corner in every fight of my amateur career.”
Gamal Yafai – “A lot of credit goes to these guys! They will be missed.”
Frazer Clarke – “Can’t thank both of them enough for the 12 years I spent with them travelling the world and achieving so much. Them and many coaches played a huge part in my career. I spent more time around these two men than my own family and I learnt an awful lot, not just about boxing but life.
“Thank you, Dave, for always moaning about my weight and fitness, I got it right when it mattered. Thanks, Lee, for always sending me educational videos!”
Charlie Edwards – “End of an era, thanks so much to the both of you for everything you did for me and all the lads and females. Some of the best memories of my life and special moments that will last a lifetime.”
Joe Joyce – “Good men! Had a great time training and competing all over the world with these two!”
Luke Campbell – “Two of the very best. Great coaches and great men. All the best fellas, you helped me achieve my dream, thank you.”
Callum Smith – “Two great coaches [that] I was lucky enough to work with but most importantly two absolute gentlemen. Enjoy retirement!”
Lewis Richardson – “Great coaches and even better people.”
Ben Whittaker – “Both great men, treated everyone like they were family, they deserve the break! Thanks for guiding me to the Olympic medal, something I won’t forget! God bless them.”
GB Boxing will now look to appoint up to three full-time World Class Programme coaches in the hopes of achieving success at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and beyond.
