A world title is Tysie Gallagher’s goal but the boxer says she won’t “overlook” Ebonie Jones as she prepares to defend her British, Commonwealth and WBO European crowns in May against the Portsmouth puncher.
The super bantamweight Luton fighter was due to take on the undefeated former national amateur champion last month, but tragedy struck in January when her partner’s mother was killed.
The rearranged bout will take place on May 23, on the undercard of GBM Sports’ first ever stadium show – at Doncaster Rovers Football Club’s Eco-Power Stadium – and also their first-ever world title fight when Terri Harper defends her WBO world lightweight title against Natalie Zimmerman live on TV with DAZN.
GBM promoter Izzy Asif warned Gallagher that he didn’t want her to take the “risky” fight against the Portsmouth puncher who beat her twice as an amateur, but admitted the winner would likely move on to challenge for world titles.
That has long been the aim of the Lutonian, nicknamed The First Lady, who made it her new year’s resolution having controversially lost out in her first world title challenge in 2023 to former champion Ségolène Lefebvre in France.
But Gallagher, who has previously eyed a pro fight against Jones, said: “I’m not going to overlook this fight, this next fight and that’s all I’m focused on, on beating Ebonie. But, of course, world titles are on the horizon and, obviously god-willing, I come through on the May 23.
“There so many exciting fights to have out there but I can’t take my eyes off Ebonie. She’s a great fighter. I’ve got to be fully focused and ready to beat her on the 23rd.”
Despite the warning from Asif, who called it “an extremely hard fight”, the 26-year-old remains confident.
“I’m not jumping in a pond I can’t swim in,” she said, adding: “I’m just going to put on a clinical boxing performance, however I win. But I’m going to be very dominant and those belts are coming back to Luton, for sure.”
At a press conference held in Doncaster Rovers’ stadium, Gallagher added: “[I’m] not taking anything away from Ebonie, she was a great amateur, but I’ve been building as a professional and the professional game is so different.
“I’ve been building the last three, four years and been very active. I’m a ten-round fighter and I’m full of confidence that I’m going to win this fight.”
Jones played down her amateur victories over the Luton champion, when they were both teenagers, and Gallagher said of the two previous clashe, “It wasn’t like she battered me,” adding: “It’s a completely different fight now.”
Despite Jones’ amateur record, it’s Gallagher that has so far forged a more successful professional career and after last despatching the cocky Stevie Levy, she said: “I can’t wait to get back and defend my titles.
“Last time, I was obviously two weeks out and I was more than ready to get in the ring and do the business.
“Now, we’ve got a solid 12-week camp and I can’t wait to go and put on a clinical performance.”
Watch the full GBM fight announcement press conference below…
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