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As Bellator 169 rolls in to the 3arena in Dublin, Ireland on December 16th 2016, all eyes will be on one of Ireland’s young stars, twenty-year old James Gallagher fighting out of the infamous Straight Blast Gym under the guidance of John Kavanagh as he enters the octagon in front of a packed out crowd.

Gallagher has a perfect 4-0 record since turning professional in 2015 after an also perfect 5-0 amateur career which ended with his withdrawal from the IMMAF 2015 World Championships with an injury sustained in his victorious opening fight.

Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor (1-1) will be the man tasked with stopping the James Gallagher show and we grabbed an exclusive interview with the Featherweight ahead of the heated clash in Dublin.

How did signing for Bellator arise after your 5-7 amateur record?

Well I was always a very entertaining fighter throughout my amateur career. King of the Cage wanted to sign me badly but Bellator saw something in me and just said I needed to train!

You’ve fought at both featherweight and lightweight in your short career, is there any issues cutting weight?

I found it really hard at first but eventually as time goes on, you learn to control your body weight and I cancelled a lightweight fight on November 2nd to allow me to prepare more for this.

Gallagher is an exciting fighter, just twenty years old with a 4-0 professional record and a 5-0 amateur record. What are you looking to use to your advantage and do you see weaknesses in his game?

He’s only fought bums! Go and take a look at his record! He hasn’t fought nobody thats as hungry and as ferocious as me. I have nothing to lose but everything to gain in this fight. If I lose I go 1-2 so it’s back to the drawing board but if I win, I’m a superstar!

How do you expect the atmosphere to be like in Dublin and how do you plan to handle it?

Every time I have fought anyone its been in their hometown. It’s never been a problem to me and going to Dublin is no different at all. I love the boos because I know eventually they turn to cheers!

It will be the first time that you fight outside of USA, is there anything you will have to do different to your usual routine?

I joke around with people and say I don’t know how we are going to do this but we’re going to figure this shit out. All I need to do is have fun and trust in my coach.

Gallagher said that he will “end your life in his home country” – what is your response to that?

I’m going to show you the difference between a man and a child! In the style of The Rock.. If you smell, what the Pretty Boy is cookin’.

And if you were to make a prediction, what’s going to happen?

First round knockout! If it goes the distance, he will win as it’s in his hometown.