GB Boxing’s Senior Podium Coaches, Dave Alloway and Lee Pullen, have retired from full-time coaching and will depart the World Class Programme (WCP) for boxing.
Since joining the WCP as full-time coaches in 2009, the pair have played pivotal roles in Great Britain’s most successful ever period in Olympic boxing history which has seen men and women from the GB Boxing squad win more than 100 medals at major competitions, including 16 at the last four editions of the Olympic Games.
Both coaches have played a huge role in the development of multiple Olympic champions and medallists – many of whom have gone on to win world titles in the professional ranks – including Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams, Galal Yafai, Lauren Price, Joe Joyce, Joshua Buatsi, Ben Whittaker, Pat McCormack and Frazer Clarke, to name just a handful.
In addition to their day-to-day coaching roles in the GB Boxing gym at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, the pair have been in the corner at every Olympic Games from London 2012 to Paris 2024 and have travelled to every world and European Championships and Commonwealth Games since 2009, helping boxers from Great Britain to win hundreds of medals.
Lee Pullen departed the WCP in the early 2025 and Dave Alloway’s final day as a full-time coach in the GB Boxing gym will be in June 2025.
GB Boxing plans to recruit up to three new coaches to support its existing team and will explore ways in which Dave and Lee can continue to engage with the WCP to ensure their knowledge and expertise can be retained and passed on.
GB Boxing’s Performance Director, Rob McCracken, said: “Dave and Lee have been outstanding coaches since joining GB Boxing and their contribution over the years has been nothing short of exceptional. Their fantastic achievements at the highest level of the sport are a testament to their strong leadership, their coaching and their ultimate dedication to the role.
“They have played a vital part in the development of hundreds of boxers across four Olympic cycles, building tremendous relationships with both athletes and staff along the way, and have continued the sustained success of our programme. Above all, they are great people and great friends, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside them.”
Frazer Clarke, who spent more than 10 years as part of the GB Boxing squad and won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games (held in 2021), added: “Dave and Lee have both been so instrumental, not just in my journey as a GB Boxer, but in every fighter that comes through the door. They are experienced and so knowledgeable about both boxing and life itself.
“They are not just good coaches; they are good people. They’ve obviously helped me in a boxing sense, but I joined GB Boxing at 17 and left at 30 so I spent a lot of years alongside them and they played their part in my development as a person also.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the help they have given me, and I think I speak on behalf of all the boxers they’ve trained when I say, they really are special people.”
Reflecting on his 16 years as a full-time GB Boxing coach, Dave Alloway, 67, from Wokingham, said: “I have enjoyed every minute here. It doesn’t get much better than this as a coach. You are representing your nation on some of the biggest stages in the world.
“I have been lucky enough to experience some wonderful times and the opportunity to be part of a home-based Olympic games at London 2012 is a particular highlight.
“I have been able to live my dream. My hobby became my job. A lot of people don’t get to do that, so I am very fortunate and forever grateful for everything.
“The success the organisation has had during the recent years is not by luck. It is down to good planning by good people all pulling together to help our boxers succeed and I have no doubts whatsoever that this will continue for many years to come knowing the high calibre of coaches and staff that work within the programme.”
Lee Pullen, 66, from Folkestone, added: “When I reflect on my time at GB Boxing, I have had a blessed career full of wonderful moments. I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity by Rob (McCracken) many years ago. I have learned so much along the way and hopefully I have passed that onto the boxers, staff and other coaches.
“In this job I have found myself placed into many different people’s lives. I have gained so many good memories from them and I hope that I have been able to return the favour and leave them with moments just as equally memorable.
“I am so thankful for everybody that has been part of this journey. Every second has been brilliant.”
Chief Executive Matt Holt said: “Dave and Lee have had an extraordinary impact on GB Boxing and the success of our World Class Programme since their arrivals.
“Beyond their coaching credentials, which speak for themselves, they have been exceptional colleagues through their loyalty, dedication and the high standards they have set consistently both professionally and personally.
“Whether offering calm guidance or motivation in the corner, they’ve always ensured our athletes had the best possible support. They are a credit to the sport and as an organisation we will continue to celebrate everything they have achieved, thank them for their years of service and wish them the very best for the future in whatever comes next.”
Following Dave and Lee’s departure, GB Boxing will look to appoint up to three new full-time coaches to support its existing team, which is made-up of Performance Director, Rob McCracken, Podium Coaches Gary Hale, Graham Alderson, Darren Maher, Paul Bennett and Phil Sellers as well part-time Coaching Consultant, Richie Woodhall.
