Summer Buzz: Eels prop Junior Paulo fighting fit after boxing training

Junior Paulo could miss the entire the Eels pre-season as he prepares for a boxing showdown with a former NRL star.

Junior Paulo and Neville Costigan. Picture: Evan Morgan

Junior Paulo could miss the entire Eels pre-season with the Parramatta wrecking ball set to ask to be excused from training until mid-February so he can prepare for his boxing showdown with Neville Costigan.

Locked in to go toe-to-toe with the former Queensland enforcer at the All Stars Rugby League fight night in Townsville on February 12, Blues prop Paulo has revealed he might not return to Parramatta training for another five weeks.

“I am two weeks into a seven-week fight camp and I am hoping to continue the boxing training full-time,” Paulo said.

Junior Paulo and Neville Costigan will go toe-to-toe with Neville Costigan at the All Stars Rugby League fight night. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I have been training six days a week and I am hoping I will be able to continue instead of returning to the Eels pre-season. I haven’t heard back yet but I am hoping he (Brad) will be okay with it. I think he knows that the preparation I am doing for this fight will have me coming back at my best for the season.”

Proving he could have a career as a boxer when he knocked Paul Gallen down in a charity fight in 2016, Paulo said continuing his boxing training instead of resuming with the Eels would make him a better football player this year.

“I am training harder than ever and it will be the best preparation I can have for the 2021 season,” he said. “The fittest I have ever been is before my fight in 2016 and I respond well to the different style training. I think Brad knows that this type of training will have me at my best for the start of the season.”

Paulo is not taking Costigan lightly after the former Raider put his hand up to take him on in the ring.

“I recently found out that I will be fighting Neville Costigan,” Paulo said.

Junior Paulo wants to delay his return to pre-season training with the Eels. Picture: Getty Images

“I have seen him play and I have also been told he can throw his hands. It will definitely be a good battle come fight night. You have to have respect for anyone that steps in the ring and I certainly will not be taking him lightly.”

Paulo also declared his intent to become a full-time boxer when he finishes his NRL career. Paulo, 27, has two years left on his Parramatta deal.

“I’m fighting in the All Stars Fight Night in Townsville,” Paulo said. “I got a phone call asking if I was interested in getting back in the ring and I was. I got a taste for it after my first fight with Paul Gallen back in 2016. I always wanted to do it again and the opportunity arose.

“I have given it a bit of thought and I would like to take it up full time one day. League is all I have ever known and boxing is something I definitely want to pursue once I finish football.”

And a grudge match with State of Origin badboy Jai Arrow could be on the cards with Paulo admitting he would like to test himself against the Queenslander in the ring.