‘Embarrassing’: Paul Gallen ruins boxing rival

Paul Gallen assassinated NRL rival Josh Aloiai in their first face-to-face meeting on Monday — but he also took one on the chin.

Paul Gallen addresses Josh Aloiai in Monday's press conference. Photo: Kayo.

Paul Gallen has torn strips off NRL star Josh Aloiai as the pair came face-to-face for the first time ahead of their December showdown in Newcastle.

The former NSW State of Origin captain was ruthless in attacking the Manly forward for an “embarrassing” refusal to fight three-minute rounds when he makes his professional boxing debut on December 10.

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Gallen, 40, also took one verbal missile on the chin during Monday’s press conference when Aloiai accused him of “copy and pasting” the same sledges from his build-up to his fight with Barry Hall in 2019.

The two stars have been locked in weeks of verbal jousting after Gallen agreed to the fight featuring eight two-minute rounds — instead of three-minute rounds.

Gallen took the chance to look Aloiai in the eye on Monday to butcher the former Wests Tigers star over his NRL career and limited experience in the boxing ring.

Paul Gallen addresses Josh Aloiai in Monday's press conference. Photo: Kayo.

He said it was “embarrassing” for Aloiai to be earning more money for the fight night than some of the professional Aussie fighters who were also present at the press conference.

Olympic bronze medallist Harry Garside was there ahead of his professional debut on the card.

Former world champion Andrew Moloney will also headline a fight night the day before Gallen’s bout when he takes on Froilan Saludar on December 9.

“It’s just been frustrating,” Gallen said.

“Here’s a guy who has said he’s grown up with boxing, he’s been boxing since he could walk. He even said he’s got more experience than me and that anyone who knows anything about boxing says he’ll win the fight.

“Yet he’s got three guys down here sitting in front of him that he’s going to earn more money than.

“He’s going to earn more money than them and yet he’s fighting two-minute rounds. It’s embarrassing. It’s embarrassing to the sport.”

Aloiai, however, got one shot in that landed following Gallen’s takedown.

Paul Gallen following his loss to Justis Huni. Picture: Richard Dobson.

“Everyone here is so bored of talking about this. They just want to get ready for the fight,” he said.

“I can tell you the same stuff. Might as well go and watch the Barry Hall press conference. It’s all the same, copy and paste.”

The double card will also feature a number of football players, including uncontracted NRL player Joey Leilua and former Wests Tigers player Chris Heighington.

Aloiai last week jumped at an option of fighting over two-minute rounds.

“Eight two-minute rounds? Let’s do it then. Paul would you like to fight eight two-minute rounds?” Aloiai said.

Gallen replied: “I’ll fight you (in) eight two-minute rounds, yeah. You’re a piece of s*** though, but I’m still saying you’re a dog. Two-minute rounds, seriously, women fight two minute rounds — I’m not being sexist here but you’re a b****.”

Aloiai replied: “Just don’t come out on social media tomorrow and say, ‘I’m not signing unless it’s three minute rounds’.”

Gallen said: “Listen here, b****. I’ve agreed. Eight two-minute rounds. You’re a b****.”

It will be Gallen’s first fight since his first career loss, a TKO defeat to Justis Huni, in June.

Originally published as ‘Embarrassing’: Paul Gallen ruins boxing rival