Ahead of their highly anticipated boxing match in Sydney, tensions have flared between former NRL stars Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams. Gallen did not hold back, branding Williams a “mutt” and a “weak-gutted dog” during an appearance on Nine’s State of Origin post-match analysis, where Williams struggled to get a word in.
The fight, set for July 16 at Qudos Bank Arena, has been a decade in the making. Gallen, 43, expressed his eagerness to finally confront Williams, hinting that the New Zealander would be in for a tough time. He stated, “I’ve been waiting forever… you’re in big trouble, boy,” as he aims to silence Williams once and for all. The phrase “weak-gutted dog” has become infamous, largely popularised by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart in 2022 during a heated exchange regarding NRL player Jaeman Salmon.
Williams, while seemingly on the defensive during Gallen’s tirade, managed to deliver some remark of his own, dismissing Gallen as “ugly” and referring to him as his “little brother.” Gallen retorted, accusing Williams of showing signs of age and warning him not to “run like we know you’ve run before.”
The pair are scheduled to face off at a pre-fight press conference in Sydney, which is sure to intensify the rivalry further. Fans can expect a fiery buildup as these two former rugby league icons prepare to settle their long-standing feud in the boxing ring. The fight will be available for viewers to stream on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70.