What’s the Buzz: Paul Gallen v Sonny Bill Williams blockbuster finally on the cards

Paul Gallen ‘retired’ in November last year after beating Justin Hodges. But there is an opportunity to make millions in what would be his final pay cheque.

Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams clash at the Channel 9 studios in 2022. Picture: Channel 9

Paul Gallen v Sonny Bill Williams – it’s the blockbuster fight they’ve been talking about for years.

Finally, it might be about to happen.

Gallen “retired” in November last year after beating Justin Hodges.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” he said afterwards.

“I’ve had enough, 41 turning 42. I can just feel it in sparring and training, I’m just slowing down.”

The former Cronulla Sharks warhorse made millions out of boxing after retiring from the NRL in 2019.

And here is an opportunity to make a couple million more in his biggest payday.

A final pay cheque and money that took him four seasons to earn in rugby league.

Paul Gallen has the chance to secure his biggest payday. Picture: Getty Images

Recognised as one of the toughest players in NRL history, Gallen played 348 games over 19 seasons.

He has since become a huge Main Event attraction, winning 15 of his 18 fights.

This fight, however, would be on Nine Entertainment’s Stan platform, as both boxers are employed as commentators on the network.

Sonny Bill’s agent Khoder Nasser denied that a deal had already been done.

“No contracts have been signed,” he said.

Sonny Bill Williams shapes as a blockbuster opponent for Paul Gallen. Picture: Getty Images

Gallen has remained super fit. He trains most days with Shire fitness guru Justin Lang.

Sonny Bill lost his last fight against Mark Hunt in November, stopped in the fourth round despite clearly leading on points. He said at the time he would not retire.

Gallen and SBW have been sledging each other for years, and as recently as last week on social media.

There was even an incident inside the Channel 9 studios last year that fellow commentator Cameron Smith spoke about on SEN radio.

Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams clash at the Channel 9 studios in 2022. Picture: Channel 9

“It went from reviewing the Warriors-Parramatta match to Sonny Bill Williams and Gal talking about why they haven’t got a fight organised yet,” Smith said.

“They were getting stuck into each other. I was in between them – James Bracey was down the end hosting the show – and I had a bit of a chuckle at first but it kept going.

“Then I looked at Bracey and said, ‘is this a gee-up?’ But they kept going for 10 minutes.”

Even during the ad break, Sonny Bill said: “You know the deal bro, you know the deal. Sign it brother.”

Channel 9 later released photos of their off-air exchange.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Paul Gallen v Sonny Bill Williams blockbuster finally on the cards