Joe Gallagher: BBC Should Recognize Team Smith

By Elliot Foster

Callum Smith became the fourth Smith brother to win a British title earlier this month when he iced fellow Liverpudlian Rocky Fielding inside a round and his trainer, Joe Gallagher, believes that the whole family should be commended.

The Manchester trainer, who mentors all four of the brothers –– Paul, Stephen and Liam are the others –– believes their efforts should be celebrated on December 20 in Belfast at the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Gallagher won trainer of the year at the British Boxing Board of Control Awards and has waxed lyrical about the incredible achievement.

"It's a fantastic story and not only that, the Smith story is special. There should be something at the BBC Sports Personality Awards this year for recognition of a team.

“If there isn't anything done then what does it take?” he questioned after watching ‘Mundo’s’ impressive display at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

“If there were four brothers playing for Liverpool or England in football, rugby, cricket, tennis or netball they would be [recognized],” he said, “but boxing doesn’t get the attention.

“Four Smith brothers created history here. It's great."

And on the achievements thus far of Callum who seemingly has the world at his feet, Gallagher said: ”For what Callum has achieved in three years as a professional is unbelievable.

"He has taken world boxing by storm. There are lads there with Olympic gold medals who haven't done what he has done.”

This week Gallagher will be putting the finishing touches to Anthony Crolla's preparation ahead of his world title rematch against Colombia’s WBA lightweight champion Darleys Pérez at Manchester Arena this weekend, attention will then turn to Liam Smith and the first defense of his WBO super welterweight title against Jimmy Kelly at the same venue next month.

Elliot Foster is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz