Robert Whittaker will be more than ready to fight Paul Gallen

Paul Gallen has been warned Robert Whittaker has two of Australia’s best young boxers in his corner to help him prepare for their potential showdown.

UFC superstar Rob Whittaker is eager to take on Paul Gallen.

Robert Whittaker’s striking coach says the UFC superstar will have no problem boxing Paul Gallen – revealing he already spars regularly with two of Australia’s most exciting undefeated fighters.

Despite being on track for a UFC middleweight title fight in 2021, Whittaker is keen for a one-off boxing switch after being challenged by the NSW Origin great.

While his focus may be Mixed Martial Arts, Australia’s first UFC champ is no stranger to the sweet science and has spent the past six years working closely with top boxing trainer, Justin Fitzgerald.

The 30-year-old has also spent his two most recent camps sparring regularly with rising Aussie cruiserweight Jai Opetaia, the 2012 Olympian who remains undefeated in 20 professional bouts.

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Whittaker also spars undefeated Mateo Tapia (12-0), a 22-year-old super middleweight who is also based out of Sydney.

“So Rob is no stranger to boxing,” Fitzgerald explained.

“We’ve always known he might make the switch at some stage and he’s already sparred a lot of rounds with some of Australia’s best young guys.

“And when we’ve done that sparring, I’ve actually had people say to me ‘if only Rob was a boxer’.

“He’s certainly athletic enough, smart enough (to make the switch). Plus he appreciates the sport and respects it.”

Robert Whittaker lands a punch on Jared Cannonier in their middleweight bout at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. Picture: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Asked about the sparring sessions with Opetaia, Fitzgerald continued: “Jai is an animal – a killer.

“A big strong boy who is world ranked. And Rob has sparred quite a few rounds with him and certainly held his own.”

Competing as a UFC middleweight, Whittaker usually weighs in for fights at 84kg.

However, the Sydneysider has agreed to a catch weight of 100kg against Gallen if promoters can make the fight happen.

That limit would likely be accepted by the retired Cronulla premiership hero, who weighed in for his recent win over UFC legend Mark Hunt at 104kg.

Despite the pair usually fighting 20kg apart, Fitzgerald said he had no problem with his charge taking on the NRL retiree.

However, the boxing coach stressed Gallen was now a genuine heavyweight boxer who needed to be taken seriously as a fight rival.

Paul Gallen defeated Mark Hunt earlier last week. Picture: Getty Images

Fitzgerald added the best scenario for both parties was a fight between six to eight, three-minute rounds.

“I heard whispers a while ago that Gal was interested in fighting Rob,” he said.

“And we have no problem so long as the UFC is OK with it and Rob gets paid what he’s worth.

“You have to remember, Rob Whittaker is a UFC superstar who is known right around the world. So Gal needs Rob more than the other way around.”

However, Fitzgerald said Gallen was no more than simply a fighting footballer.

“At what point do you say Gallen is no longer a footballer?” he asked.

“The guy has now had 11 professional fights. If that doesn’t make him a boxer I don’t know what does.

“Yes, he used to play footy. But now, he boxes.

“And he’s handy. Tough too, and respects the sport.

“I thought his fight (against Hunt) played out exactly as it should’ve.

“You always knew Mark had the ability to put Gallen down – and he did rock him – but if Paul survived he was going to win on points.

“If Mark had pressed the action, who knows? But you have to remember he hadn’t boxed in something like 20 years.”