Promotor Danny Green rejects Paul Gallen’s suggestion over fight set-up with Barry Hall as laughable
Promoter Danny Green is worried Paul Gallen’s ‘confidence is starting to waver’ in the wake of the retired Sharks star’s fix suggestions in the lead-up to his huge cross-code fight with Barry Hall.
Boxing/MMA
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Promoter Danny Green has laughed off Paul Gallen’s claims of being set up to lose against AFL legend Barry Hall, saying: “I’m not sure why Gal would say that … maybe his confidence is starting to waver”.
Gallen controversially claimed the fix was in for his ‘Code War’ headliner against Hall but the former Sharks star has been promptly reminded that it was he who signed off on every aspect of the November 15 bout at Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena – including that it be over six, two-minute rounds.
Speaking with News Corp Australia, retired cruiserweight world champion Green – who is promoting the hyped footy fight night event – described suggestions of a fix as ridiculous.
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His response came after Gallen not only slammed Hall for being allowed to choose the round length, but also being first on the fight posters, in the promoter’s corner, even mentored for the headliner by Green’s old trainer, Angelo Hyder.
“But this suggestion by Paul that he’s being set up to lose, I don’t understand it,” Green said.
“For a start, I don’t have ties to either fighter. I’m in nobody’s corner.
“Also, there’s a reason why those contracts have been signed by all parties – why it’s there in black and white – and that is because we all agreed on a date, a venue, on the length of the rounds, everything.
“I saw a suggestion from Gal or someone in his team that the fight had been scheduled at a difficult time because of his book tour or something?
“But nobody put a gun to his head and said ‘hey Paul, fight on this date or we pull the trigger’.
“Everyone agreed, and amicably.
“So I’m not sure why those comments are being made. Maybe Gal is a bit … I dunno … maybe he’s starting to get a bit worried, maybe the confidence is starting to waver.
“Again, I dunno.
“But I’m sure he realises how seriously his opponent is taking this. I can tell you that Barry Hall, he wants to make a statement by knocking Gal out.”
While Gallen has taken aim at the six rounds being slated for just two minutes, rather the traditional three, Green pointed out that the former Cronulla skipper’s first fights were only over four rounds.
“So you’re still talking about fights of 12 minutes,” Green said.
“Obviously Gal wants the rounds to be over three minutes because he’s a professional with nine fights.
“But given Barry is making his debut, and against a far more experienced opponent, he wanted six rounds of two minutes.
“Which Gal agreed to.
“And despite what Paul says about being set up to lose, I actually believe all the pressure is on Barry.
“This is a guy making his professional debut against an undefeated rival with nine wins, including five by KO.
“Plus, it’s a fight everyone in Melbourne has wanted to see for such a long time.
“Barry is the guy no less than legendary trainer Johnny Lewis claimed could become the Australian heavyweight champion in his first fight.
“That’s how good Johnny has always thought he could be.
“Still, Gal is a tough guy.
“A junkyard dog with a lot more experience. So this fight, it really is a really big ask for Barry Hall.”