Hall v Gallen: Footy stars reject criticism they’re hurting boxing
Barry Hall and Paul Gallen are adamant they are not contributing to the demise of boxing, instead declaring that their much-hyped clash is good for the sport.
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At least Barry Hall and Paul Gallen agree on one thing — passionately united in rejecting criticism that they are contributing to the demise of boxing.
For some sections of the boxing community, the much-hyped bout between the two ex-footballers in Melbourne on Friday night belittles the sport and its purity.
But Hall, Gallen and Code War promoter, Danny Green, hit back with a combination of punches directed at those questioning the staging of the fight.
At the official press conference, Hall pointed to Super Flyweight world No.1 seated beside him, Andrew Maloney, who as the main event is aiming to be crowned WBA world champion on Friday night when he takes on America’s Elton Dharry, to make his point.
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“I’m a little bit embarrassed to be sitting here, me and Paul should be sitting on the end of the table,’’ Hall said.
“There’s two world-rated fighters here fighting for a world title and we’re probably the most-talked about.
“And I’m embarrassed by that because I respect the sport of boxing.
“We don’t want to disrespect boxers or fighters because we know that they’re all tough, but if we can bring a few more eyes to the boxing game and help people in the long run, that’s the goal here.
“Me and Paul don’t like each other and we’re going to try and knock each other out, but we don’t want to disrespect the sport.’’
Gallen backed up Hall’s sentiments.
“I agree with Barry,’’ Gallen said.
“People saying things like that, they’re not considering boxing, they’re considering themselves.
“You’ve only got to look at Tim Tszyu, who was on one of my undercards before.
“I said then, ‘If Tim Tszyu one day headlines his own Main Event card, I’ve done my job in boxing. He’s now headlining his own Main Event.
“If the Maloney boys can headline their own Main Event after being exposed to 30 to 40,000 people after this fight, me and Barry have done our job in boxing.
“I understand how frustrated people in boxing may be, but people can use our profile and help the sport of boxing and help these young blokes along the way, we’re helping them.
“We’re not taking the piss out of the sport whatsoever.’’
Green said he would never have associated himself with Hall or Gallen, if he felt they would be detrimental to the sport.
“There’s a pretty large contingent of press here, so I think people know it’s a real fight,’’ Green said.
“Giving the Maloneys the opportunity to showcase their skills and their prowess and their immense talent around Australia is fantastic for the sport of boxing.
“I wouldn’t touch this with a ten-foot pole if it wasn’t authentic.
They’re giving these two legends, who unfortunately don’t have the profile they deserve, the ability to lift and fight in front of this whole country on a massive pay per view.
“So it’s a win-win for the sport of boxing.
“There’s no bums here.’’
PAY-PER-VIEW BONANZA
Paul Gallen's showdown with AFL slugger Barry Hall is on target to become the most-watched fight of the year on TV - surpassing Jeff Horn's duel with Anthony Mundine.
Fight promoter Danny Green has declared the Code War between Gallen and Hall in Melbourne on Friday night has captivated the intrigue of the nation, with pay-per-view sales set to surpass Horn's 96-second beating of Mundine, almost 12 months ago.
“It’s going to break all pay-per-view records for this year,’’ Green said.
“I’ve been blessed to be have taken part in three of the highest grossing pay-per-views in the country’s history and this week has got that similar feel to it.
“The difference here between Jeff and Choc (Mundine) is that ‘Gal’ and Barry Hall have a wider reach as far as coming from bigger sporting markets (NRL and AFL) than boxing and that interest is spread across the country, as opposed to a certain pocket.
“It’s also got that edge and it’s got that authenticity as far as the aggression goes between Paul Gallen and Barry Hall.
“Australian’s can smell bulldust - but what they can smell here is that this is the real deal.’’
Green wouldn’t reveal the actual number of how many pubs and clubs had paid to screen the fight, but the former world champion boxer-turned promoter had little hesitation in going public with his claim.
“It will be the biggest pay per view of the year and biggest pay per view for quite some time because of the interest in these two,’’ Green said.
“They’re both legends of their sport. This is a classic fight.
“Social media has gone bananas on it and after the fight is when we’ll find out how big this pay-per-view really is, but with the way it’s tracking I think it’s going to go very well.
“We’re getting an indication of how many pubs and clubs and venues are going to show a fight the whole country has been waiting for.’’
The tension between Gallen and Hall was dripping from Melbourne’s Crown Promenade walls when the duo played a game of verbal sparring at the official pre-fight press conference on Wednesday.
At one point, Hall told Gallen to “shut up” in response to the former Cronulla captain’s sledge that his AFL opponent was “calm and collected because he had done nothing’ to promote the fight.
“Shut up. I’m sick of hearing your voice,’’ Hall snapped.
Gallen replied: “Are you getting a bit angry big fella? It’s about time you fired up, you’ve done nothing until now. ‘’
Sitting between the two ex-footballers, Green interjected: “I’m glad I’m still in good shape in case I’m needed here.’’
Another flare-up during the 32-minute press conference occurred when Gallen tossed a packet of Maggi two-minute noodles at Hall.
Gallen has nicknamed Hall ‘noodles’ because of the former Swan’s demand to only fight two minute rounds, instead of three minute rounds.
“I hear chicken is your favourite flavour,’’ Gallen joked.
Chasing a tenth consecutive victory, Gallen, 38, added: “I can see the fear in him. He knows his punches won’t hurt me and at the end of the day I’ll get the victory, whether it’s by knockout or points decision.
“And deep down he knows it.’’
Hall, who was an amateur champion but hasn’t fought since he was 15, said he has worked to reignite his boxing skills after 16 seasons of AFL.
“One thing I won’t have to do is going searching for him if he’s going to be in my face and that great,’’ Hall, 42, said.
“That’s perfect for us.
“I’ve got a bit of white line fever.
“I’m calm and collected (normally) but once the bell goes, I’ve got one chance to finish him.’’