Gallagher shines in Finland triumph

NEWTOWNSTEWART’S own Jude Gallagher announced his full return to elite boxing in emphatic fashion last weekend, claiming victory at the prestigious Tammer Tournament in Finland and reaffirming his place among Ireland’s top talents at 60kg.

Competing at the renowned Pyynikki Sports Hall in Tampere - a stage once graced by legends such as Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya - Gallagher delivered two commanding performances on Saturday and Sunday to secure a gold medal for Ireland in one of international boxing’s most respected tournaments.

It was the perfect comeback for the Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Paris 2024 Olympian, who was returning to full competition for the first time since suffering a serious back injury at the Olympic Games.

Under the guidance of his long-time coach John Gallagher of Two Castles ABC, Jude boxed with intelligence and control throughout the tournament. After receiving a bye in the quarter-final, he faced a tough Italian opponent in the semi-final.

“Jude boxed beautifully,” coach Gallagher said. “He won the first round clearly, lost a tight second, and then went up a gear in the third. He knocked his opponent’s gum shield out and forced a count in the final 30 seconds - it showed real grit and composure.”

In the final, Jude faced an experienced ex-professional from Thailand, a boxer who had competed at the World Championships and arrived in strong form after defeating Australian and English opponents. Gallagher again rose to the challenge, controlling the tempo and outworking his opponent to claim the win.

“The Thai fighter was tough, but Jude was fitter and sharper,” said his coach. “He boxed smart and took control. You could see the Thai wilting under the pressure. It was exactly the performance we needed to see - he’s getting back to his best.”

Reflecting on the tournament, Jude said it felt “great to get back to winning ways” after his injury layoff.

“I got the measure of the Italian early but had to stay disciplined,” he explained. “When the judges went against me in the second, I had to push in the third and finish strong - that right hand that led to a standing count was the turning point.”

“The Thai boxer was strong and experienced. I lost the first round 5–0, but I stayed calm, stuck to my plan, and my fitness told in the end. I won the second 3–2, then the last 5–0. It was a tough fight but a good test - and a big confidence boost.”

Gallagher’s transition from 57kg to 60kg since the Olympics is another challenge he has embraced. “It’s a big adjustment, but I feel comfortable now,” he said. “The goal is to keep improving, stay healthy, and keep learning with every fight.”

Eyes on Ulster Elites and Glasgow 2026

After a short recovery week, Gallagher will return to full training at the Irish National High-Performance Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin ahead of the Ulster Elite Championships on December 14, where he aims to continue his momentum.

The Ulster Elites also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Jude hopes to defend the gold medal he famously won in Birmingham in 2022 - afer knocking his final opponent out in the first round!

“I’m keeping my head down, training hard, and staying fit,” he said. “The Elites in December are the next step - and the Commonwealth Games are definitely in my sights. I’d love to go again.”

Coach John Gallagher added: “He’s coming back strong. The injury’s behind him, and his hunger’s as sharp as ever. This was a hard international tournament, and he came through it brilliantly. Another couple of bouts and he’ll be right back at the level we all know he can reach.”

Bright Future for Two Castles ABC

It was a proud weekend for the Two Castles ABC club, with 16-year-old Conan McSorley also set to represent Ulster at the Wexford Box Cup this weekend. The promising young fighter competes at 54kg and continues to impress on the national stage.

As for Jude Gallagher, his message is simple - he’s back, stronger, and ready to climb again.

“I can feel the improvement every time I step into the ring. I’m glad to be back doing what I love - and I’m just getting started.”