Justin Hodges rocks opponent in farcical 23-second mismatch

In a ridiculous mismatch, rugby league champion Justin Hodges has destroyed his tubby opponent in an embarrassing 23-second onslaught.

Justin Hodges v Troy McMahon during the undercard fight to the Tim Tszyu v Joel Camilleri Australian Super Welterweight title fight at The Star, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

In a ridiculous mismatch rugby league great Justin Hodges rocked Kiwi ring-in Troy McMahon with his first punch and then stopped him in just 23 seconds to win what he would be embarrassed to say was his second professional fight last night at Sydney’s Star Casino.

McMahon, a tubby 43-year-old from Auckland, had trouble getting his gloves on before the bout and had trouble staying on his feet when Hodges landed the first punch of the bout, a straight right to the top of McMahon’s bald head.

McMahon stumbled and looked ready to fall face-first to the canvas. Hodges was reluctant to hit him again but a follow-up combination ended by an uppercut forced referee Garry Dean to call a quick finish.

Justin Hodges looks on as opponent Troy McMahon struggles to his feet. Picture: Brett Costello

At 175cm and a soft 91kg McMahon, looked like a stuffed teddy bear against the 188cm, 103kg former State of Origin flyer.

McMahon was a last-minute opponent for Hodges after four earlier opponents had withdrawn.

``It was disappointing,’’ Hodges said in an understatement.

``The guy took the fight late.

``It’s not my fault. I came prepared. I hurt him and I didn’t want to hurt him anymore.

``It’s a shame it didn’t go longer. I trained hard and wanted a fight.’’

Hodges said he would look to fight again probably in November but against a boxer with ``much more experience.’’

Justin Hodges lands the early blow against Troy McMahon. Picture: Getty

He said he was still a long way from fighting Origin rival Paul Gallen.

Former world champ Jeff Horn agreed, saying Hodges would get ``ripped to pieces’’ against the Blues great.

Hodges says he wants to learn as much about boxing as he can but McMahon couldn’t teach him much last night.

Horn said it was obvious McMahon was going to get hurt from the first punch.

``When guys get hit on top of the head like that, they lose all their balance,’’ Horn said.

``The referee did the right thing.’’

The referee calls the end of the fight between Justin Hodges and Troy McMahon. Picture: Getty

Earlier, the 75kg Ross Pearson, a former mixed martial arts star, scored a second round KO in his professional boxing debut over Brisbane’s Salar King.

After 37 MMA fights Pearson returned to the sport in which he excelled as teenager in England.

He dropped King twice in the second round for a stoppage victory at 2min 21 sec of the round.

``It’s the start of a new journey,’’ Pearson said.

``The transition to another sport is difficult because it’s a totally different skill set. But the emotions are the same and the desire is there to get in there and hurt someone.’’

``I want to take this as far as I can go. I want to reach the top in boxing.’’

King lost for the 11th time in 16 starts.