Paul Gallen v Justin Hodges: Fight date, former NRL captain to retire after farewell bout

Paul Gallen and Justin Hodges’ heavyweight rematch was always going to be dripping in animosity and tension, but now a change to the length of the each round threatens to blow it apart.

Paul Gallen.

Justin Hodges has copped a setback in his hopes of beating Paul Gallen with the heavyweight rematch between the NRL legends to be held over three-minute rounds.

The retiring Gallen warned Hodges he will not be complacent with the former NSW Origin skipper already ripping into sparring sessions on Thursday morning as he leaves no stone unturned to exit victorious in his farewell fight.

Hodges’ last four fights have been conducted over two-minute rounds, including his controversial loss to Gallen in September which saw the Broncos great lodge a protest with Queensland boxing authorities.

But in negotiations for the rematch, Gallen wanted two-minute rounds axed and he has got his wish, with the duo to slug it out over six, three-minute rounds in Sydney on Wednesday, November 23.

Paul Gallen and Justin Hodges will renew hostilities as the former NSW Origin skipper bows out of boxing. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Gallen is famed for his fitness and the longer rounds will give him a significant edge over Hodges, who is sure to feel the pinch of the additional 60 seconds.

The 41-year-old recently admitted he is sick of sparring, but he is going all-out in his final training camp to ensure his boxing swansong is not tainted by a Hodges boilover.

“I’m training properly for this. I sparred this morning,” Gallen said.

“Part of my condition for this fight was to have three-minute rounds, so it’s happening.”

The rematch will be layered with animosity and tension following their most recent bout in Brisbane last month which Gallen won by TKO in the third round.

Hodges is adamant Gallen illegally attacked the former Broncos skipper against the ropes.

Gallen said that after eight years and a 14-2-1, 8KO record, the showdown with Hodges (5-2, 2KO) would be his last foray into the ring.

“I have agreed with No Limit (boxing promoters) to fight Hodges on November 23 — and this is it,’’ Gallen said.

“This will 100 per cent be my final fight.

Paul Gallen punches Justin Hodges their most recent bout which Gallen won by TKO in the third round.

“It’s the end of my four fight contract with No Limit.

“I realised in the final two rounds of my Kris Terzievski fight (last May) that I’m not the fighter I once was.

“I’m getting older and after 20 years of professional sport, it’s time to wind back.

“I’m looking forward to going out with a win.’’

The fight night is expected to be held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour.

News Corp also understands former Broncos enforcer Matt Lodge was deep in negotiations for a blockbuster heavyweight showdown with Gallen, initially pencilled in for Wednesday, December 7 in Sydney.

But Lodge is currently in a sling after damaging ligaments in his right hand while preparing for his showdown with Gallen.

The scratching of Lodge effectively sealed the rematch for Hodges, who is desperate to exact revenge following his loss to Gallen in Brisbane in September.

Hodges remains adamant Gallen illegally attacked the former Broncos skipper against the ropes last month.

Former Canberra grand final centre BJ Leilua was another rugby league player keen to take on Gallen in his farewell fight.

Hodges will ramp up his preparation by enlisting the help of former Australian heavyweight champion Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu, who produced a stunning stoppage of Hemi Ahio on the George Kambosos-Devin Haney undercard last Sunday week.

“I am pumped for the rematch,” Hodges said.

“I’ll knock him out this time.

“Django wants to be in my camp the whole time too so that’s going to be unreal having a boxer of his experience to help me.”

Rematch official: Gallen reveals farewell fight

Paul Gallen will pull down the curtain on his boxing career with a final fight and rematch with Justin Hodges.

News Corp can reveal the former NRL champion turned boxing heavyweight has agreed to fight Hodges in Sydney on November 23.

The rematch will be layered with animosity and tension following their most recent bout in Brisbane last month which Gallen won by TKO in the third round.

Hodges is adamant Gallen illegally attacked the former Broncos skipper against the ropes.

Gallen said that after eight years and a 14-2-1, 8KO record, the Hodges fight would be his last foray into the ring.

“I have agreed with No Limit (boxing promoters) to fight Hodges on November 23 – and this is it,’’ Gallen said.

“This will 100 per cent be my final fight.

“It’s the end of my four fight contract with No Limit.

“I realised in the final two rounds of my Kris Terzievski fight (last May) that I’m not the fighter I once was.

“I’m getting older and after 20 years of professional sport, it’s time to wind back.

“I’m looking forward to going out with a win.’’

Paul Gallen will fight Justin Hodges in his final bout.

The fight night is expected to be held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour.

News Corp also understands former Broncos enforcer Matt Lodge was deep in negotiations for a blockbuster heavyweight showdown with Gallen, initially pencilled in for Wednesday, December 7 in Sydney.

But Lodge is currently in a sling after damaging ligaments in his right hand while preparing for his showdown with Gallen.

The scratching of Lodge effectively sealed the rematch for Hodges, who is desperate to exact revenge following his loss to Gallen in Brisbane in September.

Former Canberra grand-final centre BJ Leilua was another rugby league player keen to take on Gallen in his farewell fight.

Hodges will ramp up his preparation by enlisting the help of former Australian heavyweight champion Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu, who produced a stunning stoppage of Hemi Ahio on the George Kambosos-Devin Haney undercard last Sunday week.

“I am pumped for the rematch,” Hodges said.

“I’ll knock him out this time.

“Django wants to be in my camp the whole time too so that’s going to be unreal having a boxer of his experience to help me.”