Justin Hodges v Darcy Lussick: Hodges knocked out in 39 seconds
Former NRL star Darcy Lussick dropped Maroons great Justin Hodges with a devastating right hand in the first round and now says he wants to take on ex-AFL champion Barry Hall.
Boxing/MMA
Don't miss out on the headlines from Boxing/MMA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Darcy Lussick has thrown down the challenge to AFL great Barry Hall after demolishing Justin Hodges in his professional boxing debut.
Lussick landed a thunderous right hand that dropped Hodges after just 39 seconds of the first round. Hodges staggered to his feet but was rightly waved away by the referee.
“I heard Barry Hall is looking for a fight,” Lussick said after his victory.
Stream live coverage of Charlo v Hogan with KAYO on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“If he’s keen we’ll try to work something out.”
Lussick is likely to train with new Toronto Wolfpack teammate Sonny Bill Williams – who has also boxed professionally – to prepare him for a showdown against Hall next year.
Hall made an impressive boxing debut last month, getting a draw against NRL tough man Paul Gallen.
“I thought both of them were really good, we all know how tough Gal is, he put on a lot of pressure. A lot of people thought that he won, Barry, at 42 years old for his first professional fight, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I heard he’s looking for a fight so I’m here if he wants it.”
Lussick entered the ring confidently and started on the front foot.
Following a clinch, Lussick swayed back and leaned into a huge straight right that landed flush on Hodges’ chin.
Hodges dropped to the canvas, collapsed, got back to his feet groggily and the referee halted the contest, leading to a technical knockout victory for the former Manly Sea Eagles prop.
“Six weeks ago I was coming off three weeks of bad choices after we won the grand final, I was just partying and drinking, and the opportunity came up, six weeks in Sydney with nothing to aim for was probably not a good mix,’ Lussick said.
“So I was really unfit, hadn’t boxed for ages, so this has all come along in six weeks’ time. All during the camp I was saying I wish I had eight to 10 weeks, this is all I could get and I’m happy with my performance.”
Lussick will return to Toronto next month to resume training with the Wolfpack, where he will be joined by new signing Williams as they enter the Super League.
“I can’t wait to meet him, he’ll be a good training partner,” Lussick said.
Hodges had hoped to beat Lussick as a stepping stone to a showdown against Gallen.
That is not as appealing now that he’s suffered a loss, having won his first two professional bouts.