Justis Huni slams Sonny Bill Williams’ stipulations for fight against Paul Gallen
The golden boy of Australian heavyweight boxing says the only chance Sonny Bill Williams has of defeating Paul Gallen is if the bout is fought like a ‘corporate’ match.
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Justis Huni says Paul Gallen will “break” Sonny Bill Williams as Australian boxing’s No. 1 heavyweight lashed ‘SBW’ for requesting two-minute rounds in his $2 million grudge match with the NSW Origin legend.
Huni slammed Sonny Bill for the stipulations placed on the footy fight blockbuster at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on July 16. Two-minute rounds are typically used in women’s boxing bouts or corporate showcases.
Gallen is so furious over negotiations the Sharks great boycotted Tuesday’s official press conference, leaving his former NRL foe alone and forced to carry the promotional can.
The duo will pocket at least $1 million each for the heavyweight showdown, which Gallen wanted to be fought over 10 three-minute rounds.
But Gallen has been forced to settle for eight two-minute rounds at the behest of Williams, who came under fire from the golden boy of Australian heavyweight boxing.
Huni has great respect for Gallen after the pair fought for the Australian title in 2021, but he gave SBW an uppercut, rolling his eyes in disbelief when told the bout would be held over two-minute rounds.
“Being two-minute rounds, it’s 50-50,” Huni said, shaking his head.
“Gallen fought for an Australian title against me, so you think he would be up for three-minute rounds.
“If they want to be male boxers, they should stick to the rules.
“But if they want to fight like it’s women’s or corporate boxing, then Sonny Bill might be a chance.”
Now 43, Gallen (15-2-1) produced one of the greatest performances of his 18-fight career when he almost went the full 10 rounds with Huni four years ago.
He was eventually stopped by Huni in the final round, but Gallen inflicted pain of his own, with Australia’s top heavyweight suffering a hand injury which shattered his dream of competing at the Tokyo Olympics.
Gallen hasn’t fought since November 2022 and is four years younger than SBW, but Huni backed him to defy the odds.
“I will back Gallen in this fight just through hard work and his fitness,” Huni said.
“I believe Gallen will break Sonny Bill down.
“Gal’s had a loss since he fought me so he could be a different athlete now, but I will stick back Gallen.
“I wasn’t blown away by his ability, it was more his toughness and his fitness. He just kept coming. He was sitting in my face the entire fight. I will give him that, he was a tremendous athlete.
“Gallen just digs deep and has a go.
“Sonny Bill has an uphill battle. Gal does the work and he has great heart.
“If he trains as hard as he did for me, Sonny Bill has a tough challenge in front of him.”
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