Joe Gallagher, the boxing trainer, has revealed he has stage-four liver and bowel cancer.

The 56-year-old, who has coached a host of world champions including Anthony Crolla and Natasha Jonas, announced he had been diagnosed in November and had been undergoing chemotherapy.

Gallagher, who was named The Ring’s Trainer of the Year in 2015, said in a statement: “It’s been a lot to take in over these past few months. I just wanted to carry on as normal as possible, while I tried to process things.

“I would like to say no matter how busy life gets, your health should always come first. We can overlook things and put things off because we’re always so ‘busy’, but ultimately there’s nothing more important than your health.

“I didn’t have any major symptoms, so if you feel something isn’t right, no matter how small, please don’t put it off – please go and get checked, as it could save your life.

“I want to thank my family, friends, my fighters and the people I’ve been able to confide in so far on this journey, their support has been incredible.

“I know I have to prioritise my health at this time, yet boxing is giving me that bit of escapism I need right now. As I go through my own battle, being around an incredible team of fighters is helping me continue to do what I love.”

That includes preparing Jonas for a unification fight against fellow welterweight champion Lauren Price, which is set for March 7, and former cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie for a heavyweight clash with Richard Riakporhe on April 5.

Gallagher, who has also coached Scott Quigg and brothers Callum and Liam Smith to world titles, added: “I’ve only just begun my fight back against this disease, there’s still so much I am processing, which is very hard to talk about right now; it’s also a very difficult time for my family and friends too.”

Gallagher has been head coach at the Mike Tyson Boxing Gym in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, since 2023.

He was given his diagnosis the month after former track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy revealed he had been told he had terminal stage-four prostate cancer.

In December, former Formula One team boss Eddie Jordan revealed he had been diagnosed with a “quite aggressive” form of bladder and prostate cancer earlier in the year which had spread to his spine and pelvis.