BOXING trainer Joe Gallagher is eyeing more world title shots for his Bolton-based fighters in 2018.

The Mancunian, who has his camp at Amir Khan’s Academy on Prince Street, admits it has been a year of rebuilding for some of his fighters in 2017.

But the talent is still there in the camp with the likes of Smith brothers Callum, Liam and Stephen, Anthony Crolla and Paul Butler.

And having been joined by former Olympian Natasha Jonas, Gallagher believes Bolton can again be a home for the world’s best this year.

He told The Bolton News: “It has been a very good year for the camp.

“Liam Smith had two great fights this year with a win against Liam Williams after the Canelo (Saul Alvarez) loss.

“He got straight back in and gave Williams a rematch.

“He gave a good account of himself against Canelo who is an awesome fighter – you just have to look at his fight with (Gennady) Golovkin and some of the shots he landed.

“Anthony Crolla has had a good year as well.

“He was unlucky in the rematch against Jorge Linares but sometimes you just put your hands up when your opponent is world class.

“It is like getting to a World Cup final in football and facing Brazil.

“He came back and had a good win against Ricky Burns and we are looking to push on for a world title shot for Anthony next year.

“Paul Butler has done well also with a couple of good fights.

“He had a good win against Stuart Hall and he has booked a world title fight next year.

“Paul Smith was unlucky with a world title fight in Germany, Hosea Burton had a good win last time out and got back on the winning track, Scott Cardle won after his defeat, while Marcus Morrison has done likewise.

“Sam Hyde joined us and had a weird debut for us, sustaining a leg injury, but he boxed cleverly and got the points win.

“Then there is Callum Smith who had such a frustrating year.

“We entered him into the World Boxing Series, which a lot of people have been unsure about, but it has proved a success and he has done well in that.

“It’s a great format and viewing figures have been good.

“Callum has a semi-final to come and the other semi-final is George Groves v Chris Eubank Jnr so there is a potential big final fight there for Callum.

“Natasha Jonas has also had a great year. She made her debut in June and ended the year with a fourth victory.

“Now we are looking at a fight in February for a first title, possibly a European title.

“There has been a lot of rebuilding but the professionals here have still been in some big fights.

“Everyone is upbeat and back on winning tracks.

“Hopefully in 2018 we can kick on again and add more world titles to the stable.

“The gym is very much like a football team and it’s good to freshen up with new faces like Natasha and Sam.

“Paul Butler came and settled really quickly and Natasha and Sam have done likewise.

“The personalities are right and fit in well.

“Obviously Scott Quigg moved on and parted ways with us to go to America.

“But he is still in touch with the gym and the lads keep in touch.

“There is no animosity there – it is a hard enough sport without falling out over silly stuff.

“So it has been a satisfying year and hopefully 2018 will be even better.”

Gallagher reiterates his fondness for his base in Bolton and believes the Gloves Community Centre, set up by Khan a decade ago, is a beacon for the town’s sporting youngsters.

He added: “Gloves Community Centre is very much like Champs camp in Moss Side was years ago.

“It is a place for youngsters to come and get inspired when they need it.

“Not only do we have my camp of professionals here but we have amateurs, we have Bolton AASC doing their NVQ course and then children as well.

“There is an awful lot that goes on here and it is a place Bolton should be proud of.”