Finally, the long-awaited grudge match between Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) is here. The two former professional athletes are finally going to settle their differences in the boxing ring after years of fighting and talking trash. The fight, which has gotten a lot of attention, promises to be thrilling for fans of both boxing and rugby league.
Gallen’s last fight and his record
Paul Gallen’s last fight was in November 2022 against Justin Hodges, yet another former NRL star. Gallen won, bringing his professional boxing record to an impressive 15 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws. Gallen is known for being tough and refusing to back down in a fight. His move from rugby league to boxing has been nothing short of amazing. His next fight with Williams will be another important event in his boxing career.
Williams’ Last Fight and First Loss
Sonny Bill Williams, a former All Black and two-time World Cup-winning rugby league star, has done well in both rugby and boxing. Williams lost his last fight in 2022 against Mark Hunt, which was his first loss in the ring. Hunt won by TKO in the fourth round. This loss has made his next fight with Gallen even more interesting because Williams wants to prove himself and get back on track.
How the fight will go and when it will happen
Gallen and Williams will fight in eight two-minute rounds, which is a little shorter than the three-minute rounds that are normal in professional boxing. The event will take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, and the full card will start at 6 p.m. (AEST). The main event, on the other hand, is anticipated to get underway around 10 p.m. (AEST), depending on how long the undercard fights last.
The full fight card includes
- Kris Terzievski vs. Troy Pilcher – Bridgerweight title.
- Clay Waterman and Mose Auimatagi Jr. – Light heavyweight division.
- Kane Baker and Johan Linde – Welterweights.
- David Nyika vs. Nikolas Charalampous – Cruiserweight
- Rahim Mundine and Joe Vatusaqata fight – Super middleweight class.
- Herve Silu Mata vs. Alex Leapai Jr. – Heavyweight
- Heavyweight fight – Sonny Bill Williams vs. Paul Gallen
How to See the Fight
The Gallen vs. Williams fight will only be available on pay-per-view through Stan Sport for fans who want to see it. To watch the fight, you will need to pay $70 and have a Stan subscription. Stan is giving away one free month of Stan Entertainment with every fight purchase, but the sports broadcasts are not included in Stan Entertainment.
Tension Before the Fight and Weigh-In
Sonny Bill Williams weighed in at 106.5 kg, which was a little more than Paul Gallen’s 100.5 kg. Even though they are different sizes, both fighters have been very focused and determined. The rivalry between them has only grown worse in the last few months, and the weigh-in event showed how tense things are between them. There were no punches or theatrics before the fight, but it has been ten years in the making.
Odds and Predictions for Betting
Bookmakers think Sonny Bill Williams is a slight favorite as the fight gets closer, but the two men are very evenly matched. Barry Hall, a former AFL star who is now a boxer, says that the fight is a “perfect stylistic match” for both fighters. Hall thinks that Williams’ reach and footwork could help him, but he also says that Gallen’s aggressive fighting style could be what makes him win.
Mark Hunt’s Thoughts on the Fight
Mark Hunt, a famous MMA fighter who has fought both Gallen and Williams, shared his thoughts on the fight. Hunt’s analysis points to Gallen’s experience in the ring as a possible advantage. He calls Gallen a “fighting dog” and says that Williams may not be able to deal with Gallen’s relentless style and mental toughness, particularly if he can get inside and put pressure on Williams.
Hunt does say that Williams has the physical advantages of being taller and having longer arms, but he questions whether Williams can use these advantages well. Hunt thinks that Gallen’s aggression could be excessively for Williams if he doesn’t use his physical gifts.
Gallen’s Plan and Way of Thinking
Paul Gallen has made it clear that he wants to fight Sonny Bill Williams. Gallen is aggressive and determined as he gets ready for the fight. He feels beneficial about his training as he has sparred with people he thinks can beat Williams. Gallen is most nervous that Williams will try to “dance around” and clinch every time Gallen gets close. Gallen wants the referee to punish anyone who holds on too tightly in the ring.
Williams’ faith
Sonny Bill Williams has been very open about how sure he is going into the fight. He talked about Gallen’s eyes after the weigh-in, saying that he saw a “driven person” but is sure that he has the upper hand. Williams says he will win because he has a better boxing IQ, is more athletic, and has better physical traits. Williams says that when the “talk” is gone, his natural advantages will help him get through.
What is your mental state before the fight?
Mark Hunt thinks that the tension between Gallen and Williams is more for show than real hatred, even though they have been rivals for years. Hunt says that fighting with personal anger can actually be a disadvantage, although the two fighters have often fought verbally. He says that fighters should go into the ring with a clear mind and an open mind, and they should be ready to change their strategy as the fight goes on.
What’s at stake?
The fight is a big payday for both fighters, who will each make about $1 million. The fight is important to both men on a personal level as well as financially, as they want to prove that they are better than the other in this long-running rivalry. Gallen has said that he is there to “have a go,” not to worry about his legacy but to win. Williams also thinks that his better boxing IQ and athleticism will help him win.
Who Will Come Out on Top?
It’s hard to say who will win among Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen because the fight is tense, has high stakes, and the two fighters have different styles. Williams has the right body type, and Gallen has a style that is always on the attack. In the end, it will depend on who does better that night. Will Williams’ skill and reach win out, or will Gallen’s toughness and determination make the difference? They’ll have to wait until 10 p.m. (AEST) to find out.
