Sonny Bill Williams, left, and Paul Gallen. Photo: Photosport
Sonny Bill Williams vs Paul Gallen
Wednesday, 16 July
From 9pm
Qudos Bank Arena Sydney
It's time for the fists to do the talking.
After 10 years of trashing each other, Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen will finally settle things in the ring.
The matchup was first touted back in 2015 as both men made a foray into boxing, their shared rugby league history the catalyst for the conversation.
Several failed negotiations later, and the two have finally come to terms, the trans-Tasman showdown set for Sydney on Wednesday night.
While initially speaking of their mutual respect, the compliments soon made way for vitriol as their disdain grew stronger anytime one would speak about the other.
From allegations of performance-enhancing drug use to being hated in their own country, to charging small businesses for favourable reviews, the barbs have been brutal, and the animosity palpable.
Sonny Bill Williams
From Auckland, New Zealand
Age: 39
Record: 9-1 (4 KOs)
Height: 191cm (6ft 3in)
Weight: 108kg
From the NRL to Super Rugby, to the Rugby World Cup stage, it seemed everywhere SBW went during his footy career, championships would follow.
It was little surprise Williams found more success in the ring, going unbeaten in his first nine bouts before running into a Samoan Superman.
During his run he claimed both the NZPBA heavyweight and WBA international heavyweight titles. A supreme athlete, Williams has inflicted plenty of damage across multiple sporting arenas with his explosive power.
Paul Gallen
From Sydney, Australia
Age: 43
Record: 15-2-1 (8 KOs)
Height: 180cm (5ft 11in)
Weight: 104kg
Gallen has forged a remarkable second act as a boxer following a decorated NRL career with the Cronulla Sharks, where he racked up 348 appearances as well as 24 Origin caps with New South Wales and 32 internationals for Australia.
'Gal' has brought the same grit and grind into his boxing, taking on some of Australia's top heavyweights.
With retirement looming, the ex-Blues enforcer is determined to go out with a bang and to silence SBW.
Who did they last fight?
Williams is coming off the back of his first ever career loss in 2022, and it was a brutal one. SBW squared off with MMA legend Mark Hunt, getting knocked out cold in the fourth round.
Gallen meanwhile also last fought in 2022, closing out consecutive victories over former Brisbane Bronco Justin Hodges first by round three TKO and then unanimous decision just two months later.
The rivalry
While most trans-Tasman rivalries involve a bit of friendly banter, there is absolutely no love between these two titans.
It wasn't long before Gallen made his feelings very clear, stating that SBW has had everything go his own way since he was 14. Williams responded, accusing Gallen of being a drug cheat.
Things escalated from there. "Scumba", "idiot", dropkick", "disgusting human being" - it's only gotten uglier the more time these two spent in each other's presence, nearly coming to blows during several live TV appearances. The hatred is very real.
What are they saying?
Where to start? There have been 10 years' worth of verbal jabs traded between the pair.
"The thing about Sonny is he just talks crap. Sonny's a dumb person. I want to hurt him. I want to knock him out. He is a poor excuse for a human, he's a liar and an absolute idiot." - Gallen.
"This is probably the first fight where I've thought, 'This is not sport any more, this is an actual fight.' This has really lit a fire in me. You poke the bear too much, that bear's going to come for a bite." - Williams.
What will happen?
Really, it's anyone's guess. Ring rust is bound to be a factor, as is conditioning with both men in their 40s. Expect Gallen to try to make it a dog fight, while Williams uses his reach to keep distance and fight at range. It would take a special shot to crack either of these granite chins.
Prediction - SBW by decision.
Who else is on the card?
David Nyika makes his return to the ring for the first time since he was brutally finished by Jai Opetaia.
The Olympian has admitted it's been a tough road back to the ring, particularly after being knocked out for the very first time. However, he still believes he has what it takes to be a world champion, as he looks to get things back on track against Kiwi journeyman Nik Charalampous.
The Christchurch fighter managed to go the distance with Opetaia and has never been KO'd. He said the "over-rated pretty boy" Nyika won't be the man to change that. A cracker at cruiserweight.
Full card
- Sonny Bill Williams vs Paul Gallen in eight rounds at heavyweight
- Kris Terzievski vs Troy Pilcher in 10 rounds for the WBA Oceania and WBC Continental bridgerweight titles
- Clay Waterman vs Mose Auimatagi Jnr in eight rounds at light heavyweight
- Kane Baker vs Johan Linde in six rounds at heavyweight
- David Nyika vs Nikolas Charalampous in eight rounds at cruiserweight
- Rahim Mundine vs Joe Vatusaqata in four rounds at super middleweight
- Alex Leapai Jnr vs Herve Silu Mata in six rounds at heavyweight
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