Exclusive: Tysie Gallagher Vows to Return Stronger After Death of Partner’s Mother

Tysie Gallagher, the reigning British and Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion, says she is now fighting for something much bigger than just herself after the family tragedy which forced her title defence against Ebonie Jones to be postponed until later this year.

From Luton, Gallagher had been scheduled to face the 26-year-old in Sheffield last month on the undercard of a show promoted by GBM Sports. 

But the original date was shelved when the mother of her partner, boxing coach Callum Cleary, died following what police described as an “altercation” at an address in the Bedfordshire town. 

A man has since been charged with murder and grievous bodily harm after another woman was injured during the incident.

Reflecting upon how the loss has changed her outlook, Gallagher exclusively told SportsBoom.com: “It’s been tough. It has been difficult. More than difficult in fact."

“But, do you know what, it’s things like this that give you fuel. It gives me a lot of fuel and fire to try and come back even better. I feel I’ve got a much bigger purpose now and even more drive."

“My eyes have been opened to things. It’s me doing the work but I’m doing it for an even bigger reason than just me now.”

“This fight isn't for me,” Gallagher continued. 

“It’s for my family. To get back to it and come back even stronger."

“Although you wish it wasn’t like this sometimes, in life, it takes for you to get knocked down to come back even stronger."

“You can let it beat you and bury your head in the sand. Or you can say, no, this isn’t going to beat me. I’m not going to let what’s happened define the lives of the people I love or mine."

“I’m going to come back stronger and show everyone what I can do - and do it for them, my family. There’s definitely a bigger purpose for me now.”

STABLE OF TALENT

Gallagher, aged 26, will now face Jones at the Eco-Power Stadium, the home of Doncaster Rovers football club, on May 23rd. 

Local favourites Terri Harper, Maxi Hughes, Reece Mould and James Flint are also set to feature on a show which marks Izzy Asif’s first outdoor professional offering.

Gallagher (9-2), a member of Asif’s burgeoning stable of talent, last fought in September when she defeated former England amateur Tori-Ellis Willetts via a unanimous points decision. 

That victory was her third straight win since losing a challenge to the then WBO super-bantamweight queen Segolene Lefebrve in France 16 months ago.

Jones (6-0-1) offered her condolences to Gallagher following Diane Cleary’s passing, writing on social media: “Sometimes things in life are bigger than boxing and this is one of them.” 

A former servicewoman, Jones hails from Portsmouth but is now based in South Yorkshire after hooking-up with trainer Grant Smith. She was once touted as a potential Olympian until outgrowing her weight division and admitting that trying to remain within its limits was having a debilitating effect upon her physical and mental health.

Gallagher thanked Jones for her support and understanding when the pair met, at a media conference designed to launch the event, last week before the pair slipped back into fight mode.

“Activity is key for me now,” Gallagher said. 

“I want to be out there every three to four months now and get on my way to the really, really big fights."

“To do that, I’ve got to win this one. This is my only focus. I’m not looking beyond it. But I genuinely don’t think people realise how good I am.”