Being number one brings with it a chance to win a place in the England Commonwealth Games team heading for Melbourne in 2006. To top all that Gary was singled out for praise by former world champion, Lloyd Honeyghan.
Gary was crowned number one after he triumphed in a top-four box-off in London last weekend between England's best amateur featherweights.
The event began last Friday night when Gary's bout against Lee Ballard from the prestigious Repton Club in London was stopped in the third round because Gary was 20 points ahead. That earned him three points and a bonus point.
The following day Gary overcame another fighter from the capital, Akaash Bhatah from the Eltham and District club, by an impressive points margin of 44-22 to add another three points to the tally.
On Sunday Gary's scheduled opponent, John Watson from Sunderland, who had not won a bout so far, withdrew from the event and Gary was awarded the fight and also the number one title with a total of 10 points. He remained the only unbeaten fighter.
Gary received a belt to honour his win but more significant was the honour of being the official number one at his weight level.
"It is a big achievement for Gary and I was delighted with his success," said his coach Keith Tate.
Keith knows the hours of training that Gary puts into being the best in his sport. But it is also gratifying that Gary's talent is being recognised by those who have been at the top of the game in recent years.
Keith was surprised to be approached by former World Welterweight champion Lloyd Honeyghan who said he had watched Gary fight and was impressed with him.
Honeyghan went on to describe Gary as a 'special talent' and the pair spent some time chatting, with the champion passing on plenty of encouragement.
That is quite an endorsement for Gary from a respected fighter who won the World title against Don Curry in 1986. Honeyghan, who also won British, Commonwealth and European crowns, now promotes professional fights and has strong links with the American fight scene.
While they savour the success Gary and Keith have to consider the long term future. Gary is a qualified graphic artist, having recently finished a course at Dewsbury College.
But while Gary has been dedicated to his training he is still only receiving the lowest level of sports funding.
To continue as an amateur up to the Commonwealth Games the duo are hoping the level of funding can be improved in line with his status as the country's number one.
Gary may also be one of those to benefit from a recent change in the rules which allows the likes of Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan, who is still an amateur, to fight on a professional bill in a deal negotiated between the Amateur Boxing Association and promoter Frank Warren.
At the end of a busy year when Gary has hit new heights of success he can look forward to further developments in 2005 and the deserved support of local people and businesses.