Paul Gallen has made a bold statement concerning his upcoming boxing match against Sonny Bill Williams, declaring he will "kill" Williams if he attempts to imitate the fighting style of Australian cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. The match, set for next month, is generating considerable excitement within the Australian boxing community, marking it as a major event in the sport’s history.
The 43-year-old former Sharks captain has expressed strong animosity towards Williams, stemming in part from allegations made by Williams regarding Gallen’s use of performance-enhancing drugs. In a recent appearance on Nine’s show Freddy and The Eighth, Gallen was questioned about his intentions for the fight and did not hold back on his feelings: "I want to hurt him… I don’t like him at all," he revealed, making it clear that the rivalry is very personal for him.
Despite boasting a solid boxing record with notable victories against fighters like Lucas Browne and Mark Hunt, Gallen has come out of retirement for this clash after nearly three years of inactivity. His comments about Williams reflect his confidence but also an acknowledgment of the challenges posed by his opponent, who has been training with the highly regarded Opetaia.
Gallen commented on Williams’s height and reach, suggesting he would attempt to use a jab, but he dismissed the idea that Williams could effectively channel Opetaia, asserting that his own experience and skill would prevail. "Please try to fight like Jai Opetaia, please – I will kill you," he taunted, indicating his belief that such a strategy would fail in a matter of seconds.
As Gallen prepares for what he sees as a decisive battle, he’s also faced the typical challenges of training at his age, admitting that it’s tougher now than it was in his younger years. Yet, he remains optimistic about the fight, stating, "I’ve got 16 minutes of work – that’s it," referring to the eight two-minute rounds they will box.
The bout is scheduled for July 16 at the Qudos Bank Arena, and fans can expect a high-stakes confrontation that could potentially define both boxers’ legacies. Gallen seems ready and determined to assert his dominance and gain a significant payday in the process.