A long-awaited boxing match between Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen is finally coming together after over ten years of discussions. Gallen, who retired from boxing, has decided to return for this match against the former All Black, with both fighters set to pocket over $1 million.
Gallen confirmed the ongoing negotiations since January during an interview with Wide World of Sports, expressing a strong commitment from both sides to step into the ring. While there is still some disagreement regarding the length of the rounds—Gallen prefers three-minute rounds, whereas Williams is leaning towards shorter, two-and-a-half minute rounds—Gallen has agreed to an eight-round format instead of the originally proposed ten.
This potential showdown has been on the horizon for a decade, but prior attempts to make it happen have not succeeded. Tensions between the two were evident during a panel discussion following a Parramatta-Warriors game in 2022, where they exchanged heated words both on and off air, as captured in behind-the-scenes footage.
Sonny Bill Williams last fought in 2022, losing to former UFC fighter Mark Hunt, giving him a professional record of 9 wins and 1 loss. In contrast, Paul Gallen has faced two defeats, losing to Justis Huni and Kris Terzievski.
As both athletes prepare to finally meet in the ring, fans can anticipate an exciting event after years of anticipation.