Mark Hunt v Paul Gallen: UFC legend wants to fight Sonny Bill Williams after knocking out former NRL star

Not content with talking up a knockout when the two meet next week, Mark Hunt also wants to steal the fight Paul Gallen has spent eight years chasing.

EMBARGOED FOR DAILY TELEGRAPH SYDNEY Pictured at Steel City Boxing in Newcastle is former champion UFC fighter Mark Hunt ahead of his boxing bout against Paul Gallen. Picture: Richard Dobson

UFC legend Mark Hunt wants to knock Paul Gallen cold before then taking the lucrative payday he has spent eight years chasing – Sonny Bill Williams.

Only a week out from their Sydney Super Fight showdown, News Corp can reveal Hunt is keen to accept a heavyweight bout with an undefeated Williams (7-0) should he beat Gallen at Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium on December 16.

The move comes as the cult knockout king also confirmed his friendship with Gallen was now over, declaring: “Let’s just say I’m never having lunch with the guy again”.

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Mark Hunt is enjoying life in the boxing ring.

Despite being aged 46, Hunt said he would gladly take the SBW challenge after developing a “boxing itch” while training for 10 months at Newcastle’s Steel City Gym.

Given Hunt wants to fight another six times before retiring, there is a chance the Australian combat sports legend could split his remaining appearances between both boxing and an American MMA company like Bellator or the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

While Gallen has been linked to a hyped showdown with Williams for eight years – and publicly pursued the fight in 2020 – Hunt said he would happily take his place with a win next week.

The veteran slugger also revealed his friendship with the former NSW Origin captain was over, despite the pair having previously shared lunch and talked both fighting and football.

“He’s called me too old, made fun of why I fight,” Hunt shrugged.

“It is what it is.

“We’re here now.

“But let’s just say I’m not having lunch with that guy again.”

Mark Hunt is determined to inflict plenty of pain on Paul Gallen.

Asked if he would accept a showdown with Williams, who has long been touted for a hyped heavyweight showdown with Gallen, Hunt said: “Hell yeah, I would (take that fight).

“I’m a prizefighter.

“I fight to provide for my family.

“So of course I’d take it.

“I’m a guy that can dance with anyone.”

After enjoying a brief NRL return with the Roosters in 2020, Williams has been linked to a potential fight with retired AFL star Barry Hall early next year.

It was around this time in 2019 that Hall earned a controversial draw against Gallen in his professional debut at Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena.

Hunt said that while his agent was already discussing a potential MMA return with “international companies”, he was also keen for more boxing bouts.

Mark Hunt wants to steal a fight with Sonny Bill Williams off Paul Gallen.

“Because I’ve developed the boxing itch,” he said.

“Paul Gallen called me out to fight and now I’m here.

“I’ve put a lot of effort and time into this.

“Obviously I’ve had to learn a lot but I’m training with the right guys.

“And I’m happy now, too.”

Asked about continuing to fight into his late 40s, Hunt continued: “I’m a fighter.

“These are my God given talents and, just like anyone else who gets up in the morning for work, I go out and do what I have to do for my family.”