Undefeated Paul Gallen destroys John Hopoate in Sydney grudge match

Paul Gallen left John Hopoate face-first on the canvas in a vicious knockout on a night which saw Justin Hodges and Tim Tszyu both produce brutal performances.

Paul Gallen left John Hopoate face-first on the canvas following a vicious second-round knockout in their grudge match, and is now eyeing a November showdown against Manu Vatuvei.

Gallen unloaded a series of hooks and Hopoate dropped his hands, eating three big shots before falling forward into the canvas in front a sold out audience at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.

After several anxious seconds, Hopoate was able to rise to his feet.

Paul Gallen destroyed John Hopoate in their grudge match at the Horden Pavilion, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

“When I knew I had him I looked at the ref to stop punching, I had to do what I had to do,” Gallen said.

Hopoate forfeits his $50,000 payment for the bout after making a personal bet with Gallen, who moves to 9-0 (5KO) as a professional boxer.

Vatuvei, who made his boxing debut last year with a first-round knockout, will likely be Gallen’s next opponent, followed by Justin Hodges, who debuted on the undercard with a 75-second knockout win.

Gallen was too strong for the veteran fighter. Picture: Brett Costello

Paul Gallen dominated John Hopoate at the Hordern Pavilion. Picture: AAP Image

Gallen started strongly, jabbing Hopoate (12-6, 11KO) to the body in the first and finishing with a flurry to the head.

In the second he turned up the heat and Hopoate, looking fatigued, could not cope with the pressure.

Hopoate came in at 112kg for the heavyweight bout, 10kg heavier than Gallen, but it was the Cronulla forward who had the bigger sting in his shots.

“I feel like I’m getting better, I’m looking forward to getting back to the footy, I’ll maybe have one more fight at the end of the year,” Gallen said.

“Hoppa is known as a bad guy but I know the bloke, he’s made mistakes but he’s only ever been a gentleman to me.

“The last couple of weeks have got personal but I’m happy to shake his hand now, I’ve only got respect for him.”

The victory ensured Gallen remains undefeated. Picture: Brett Costello

Hopoate said: “I got caught, I can’t complain, Gal got me.”

Tim Tszyu moved to 12-0 (10KO) with an uncompromising knockout win over England’s Denton Vassell (25-6) in the main support bout.

Tszyu, 24, claimed the interim WBA Oceania super-welterweight title with the second-round stoppage.

Tim Tszyu won his fight against Denton Vassell in dominant fashion. Picture: Brett Costello

Vassell, a late replacement, had no answer to Tszyu’s speed, accuracy and power.

Tszyu dropped the 34-year-old with a ripping one-two combination, and his follow-up barrage had Vassell out on his feet, forcing his corner to throw in the towel.

Tszyu started the bout on the front foot, clocking Vassell with big right hands throughout the first round.

In the next he stunned Vassell with a sharp left jab-right cross combo, then followed with another that dropped his opponent.

Vassell rose to his feet but was a sitting duck for Tszyu’s heavy hands.

Meanwhile, Hodges scored a first-round stoppage in his debut fight.

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