Introduction
Tysie Gallagher, a 27-year-old boxer from Luton, is set to make her comeback to professional boxing this Saturday at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield. She will defend her British, Commonwealth, and WBO international super-bantamweight titles against the unbeaten Ellie Hellewell. This fight comes after a deeply challenging year for Gallagher, who has been profoundly affected by the tragic murder of her mother-in-law, Diane Cleary, earlier this January.
Tribute and Motivation
This year has been significant for Gallagher for another reason; she approaches this match not just as a challenge in the ring but as a tribute to Cleary, who was killed in a domestic violence incident involving her daughter’s ex-partner. Gallagher expressed,
“This whole year has been dark for my family. If that one night can bring some light to them, that will make my year.”
Challenges and Resilience
Her initial title defense was scheduled for February against Ebonie Jones, but it was postponed due to Cleary’s death. The bout was rescheduled for May but ultimately fell through when Jones failed to make weight. However, following the recent sentencing of Cleary’s killer, Jacob Clark, who was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty, Gallagher feels a weight lifted off her shoulders, allowing her to focus on the fight ahead.
Having turned professional in 2021, Gallagher sees her boxing career as a crucial outlet, acknowledging that the sport has provided her with the strength to cope with her personal struggles, including her mental health challenges as someone diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 10. She stated,
“Only boxers understand what you go through every single day and the challenges you face in that ring. There’s nowhere to hide and you’ve got to figure it out.”
Family and Future Aspirations
With her daughter, a seven-year-old, constantly in her thoughts, Gallagher feels a strong drive to succeed. She noted,
“I’m doing it for her because I know how proud she’d be.”
Winning against Hellewell would hold immense significance for Gallagher, and she plans to have her daughter in attendance for the fight.
As Gallagher prepares for this upcoming contest, she reflects on the balance her family provides in her life, referring to the importance of not being solely consumed by boxing.
“When I’m with her, I’m a normal mum. It’s a good distraction as well. I need a mix of both,”
she shared.
Conclusion
With strong motivations and the support of her coaches who have kept her grounded during tough times, Gallagher is ready to step back into the ring and honor her mother-in-law’s memory while striving for victory that “will mean the world” to her family.
