Luton’s three-belt champion Tysie Gallagher is now eyeing a second shot at a world crown and has targeted the title holder she wants to take on, having made a triumphant return to the ring on Saturday after a “tough year” away.
The 27-year-old super-bantamweight returned to the ring in Sheffield, 12 months to the day after beating Tori-Ellis Willetts, this time retaining her British, Commonwealth and WBO international belts in a dominant points victory where she comfortably outclassed previously unbeaten home fighter Ellie Hellewell on all three judges’ scorecards.
Gallagher’s past 12 months have been anything but easy. In January her mother-in-law, Diane Cleary, was murdered, a tragedy that left the family reeling and the boxer honoured her memory with a photo printed on her skirt, ‘Diane’ on the front of her waistband and a post-fight video dedication.
Gallagher had been due to defend her straps against Ebonie Jones in February, but the clash was postponed after following the death of Ms Cleary. Then in May the rescheduled bout collapsed on the eve of the fight when the Portsmouth puncher failed to make weight, leaving the ‘First Lady’ issuing a scathing rebuke of her rival, calling her actions “disgraceful”.
Yet on Saturday night, in a televised clash, she reminded everyone of her quality and resilience, improving her professional record to 10-2 and positioning herself for another crack at a world title after her narrow and controversial 2023 defeat to Segolene Lefebvre in France.
“This means everything to me, my family are all happy and buzzing and I got to do it in front of my little girl,” she told DAZN Boxing.
“It’s been a tough year, so getting that win – and a nice, comfortable win as well [is great]. I was very disciplined and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Hellewell, who had won all seven of her previous bouts since turning professional in late 2022, simply could not match Gallagher’s poise and experience over the 10 rounds.
She hailed the travelling Luton contingent that supported her, saying her fans had the venue “bouncing” and telling the Boxed In Podcast: “You know when Luton turns up because you can hear them a mile off.”
For Gallagher, the night was about more than just keeping her titles. After months of grief, setbacks and cancelled fights, it felt like the start of a new chapter.
And the hope will be Gallagher is now ready to go one better on the world stage after she came so close to seizing the top prize two years ago.
“Obviously, I want a world title next,” she said, adding: “They are tied up right now with Ellie Scotney. She’s about to win and have the undisputed fight, but I would love them opportunities. That’s where I want to be.
“I want to fight the Ellie Scotney. I want to fight even if they’re [the belts] tied up, I’ll fight Ramla Ali or Fran Hennessy, whoever wants it.”
She added: “I’m ready for the world scene. Let’s go.”
GBM promoter Izzy Asif agreed about her future world title prospects, telling the Boxed In Podcast that a shot could happen in 2026.
He added: “One person who sincerely deserves this is Tysie Gallagher. For the year she’s had and the kind of trouble she’s had with her family and personal life, she thoroughly enjoys it. I’m so happy for her and I’m glad she got the win and can enjoy her time with her family.”
