‘People were shocked’: Justis Huni spills on ‘tough cookie’ Paul Gallen

Ahead of what could well be his last ever boxing fight tonight, ex-NRL star Paul Gallen has received huge praise from a former rival.

If there’s one man who knows what it’s like to be on the other end of Paul Gallen’s antics in the lead-up to a blockbuster boxing fight, it’s Justis Huni.

Gallen raised eyebrows when he stormed out of the pre-fight press conference on Monday, furious at his opponent Kris Terzievski for not doing more to pump up their fight.

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The former NRL star will take on Terzievski in Newcastle tonight for the Australian and Australasian heavyweight titles.

A loss would likely spell the end of his boxing and sporting career but Huni, who defeated Gallen in an epic bout last year, is backing the 40-year-old to get the victory.

“I don’t know much about his opponent Kris but I know a lot about Gallen, obviously sharing the ring with him,” Huni told news.com.au.

“He’s one tough cookie and he’s not going to go down without a fight.

“If I knew more about Kris I could give more of an opinion on who’s going to win, but I can only really judge off Gallen, because I know Gallen and how tough he is and how much pressure he applies when he’s in there. So I’m going to have to back Gal in.

“Nothing against Kris but I’ve been in there myself, I’ve gone almost a full 10 rounds with him. He’s just tough. He keeps coming and continues to apply that pressure. It will be a good test for Kris. Hopefully the best man wins and they both come out of it well and healthy.”

Paul Gallen faces off with Kris Terzievski during their weigh-in. (Photo by Peter Lorimer/Getty Images)

When asked what he made of Gallen’s bold theatrics at the press conference, Huni chuckled.

“That’s just Gallen,” he said.

“He likes to get a bit of hype around the fight. Credit to him for continuing to promote the sport of boxing. I was in those shoes not too long ago sitting across from him. It’s just the way he rolls.”

Gallen is a polarising figure among some boxing purists and, as we know, the sport is full of trash talk as much as punches. Huni could have thrown some verbal haymakers but instead was full of praise for what the ex-Cronulla Sharks star has achieved in the ring, revealing what many in boxing probably think deep down.

“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Gallen,” he said.

“I love what he’s doing for the sport of boxing and what he’s done in boxing himself, especially coming over from NRL.

“He’s done very well for himself and he’s beaten a lot of credible opponents. Even Lucas Browne — look what he did to him. I think a lot of people were shocked from that.

“Not only does he bring the eyeballs but he’s obviously done well for himself in the ring if he’s fighting for Australian and Australasian heavyweight title.

“You don’t just get there not fighting. He’s done the hard yards and credit to him for getting that opportunity. Hopefully he can go all the way.”

Paul Gallen put up a huge fight against Justis Huni last year. Picture: Richard Dobson

Huni, who was forced to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics after aggravating a hand injury in the fight against Gallen, will contest his next bout against Joseph Goodall in June for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific and WBO Oriental heavyweight titles.

Huni’s promoter Dean Lonergan said there was a possibility if Terzievski wins that Huni could try to reclaim his Australian title.

However, Huni has also been in the conversation to get bigger fights as the bout against Goodall will elevate the winner into the WBO and IBF top 15, which means they are eligible to fight for the world title or at least gain lucrative international attention.

Huni said he was onto “bigger and better things” now but will always be thankful for the opportunity he had to fight Gallen on a big stage.

“I’m very happy I took that fight and got to experience fighting on a Main Event card, which is pretty big for someone that’s only had five pro fights and being able to do that in front of a large crowd and in the heavyweights,” he said.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity Gal provided for myself and he continues to do for other boxers.”

Originally published as ‘People were shocked’: Justis Huni spills on ‘tough cookie’ Paul Gallen