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Former NSW NRL Captain turned heavyweight boxers, Paul Gallen, is predicting a short and sharp finish to his upcoming bout against fellow ex-rugby league player Darcy Lussick.
Darcy Lussick agreed to the fight with just two weeks’ notice, after the initial opponent, Manly Sea Eagles prop Josh Aloiai contracted COVID-19.
Gallen (11-1) is far more experienced in the ring. His undefeated streak only recently coming down to a points loss against Australian heavyweight champion and world title prospect Justis Huni in June.
But like Huni, Lussick is a younger bull with the stamina go all three rounds . The 32-year-old already has 39-second knockout of Justin Hodges to his name. As a former Sea Eagles player as well – it was a no-brainer to choose him as a replacement for Aloiai.
As history shows, Gallen has a decent track record of knocking out Manly legends cold, starting with Nate Myles in the 2014 State Of Origin – a KO that resulted in the complete banning of closed fists in the NRL.
Then there was his 2019 main event against the Tongan King Of The Beaches, John Hopoate, who Gallen left unconscious on the canvas only halfway through the second round.
Speaking to the media today, Gallen said he’s confident he’ll be able to go 3-0 against the Manly Sea Eagles.
“I dunno what it is but these Manly boys just keep lining up to take a nap” said the Cronulla Sharks premiership-winner.
“It would have been good to fight a current Manly player like Aloiai so I could actually test myself against a 26-year-old”
“But Darcy is still eight years younger than me. It wasn’t long ago he was wearing that Silvertails jersey, and if we want to look at the history books. That’s not good news for him”
“I’ll go 3-0 against Manly tomorrow night. They must not be breastfeeding them on the beaches. I dunno what it is but their jaws are made of glass”
Wednesday night’s ‘FIGHTMAS’ promotion will also include the professional debut of Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Harry Garside on the undercard, along with former NRL stars Joey Leilua, Chris Heighington, Nathan Ross and Justin Hodges who will also be putting on the gloves.
Promoter George Rose promised a $20,000 bonus to the knockout of the night, with Lussick promising it to coach Sean Fitzpatrick’s Southside Boxing if he puts Gallen down.
