Former heavyweight world champion weighs in on Gallen-SBW two-minute round fiasco

A former heavyweight world champion has joined cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia in calling out Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams over their upcoming blockbuster fight.

Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has joined cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia in calling for the heavyweight boxing match between and Sonny Bill Williams to be fought over three-minute rounds.

Parker also says Opetaia can become a two-weight world champion, and even hinted they could fight at heavyweight one day.

IBF cruiserweight world champion Opetaia’s only criticism of the long-awaited heavyweight grudge match between Gallen and Williams was the length of the rounds.

Gallen wants the standard three-minutes, but Williams’ camp reportedly only wants two-minute rounds.

Both men have fought the majority of their careers over three-minute rounds, although Gallen’s collection of NRL fights against Justin Hodges, Ben Hannant and Darcy Lussick all had shorter frames.

As first reported by this masthead, negotiations for the fight nearly fell over due to the disagreement over the length of rounds.

Gallen reportedly wants three minute rounds. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Two minutes is standard for women’s boxing, including world title fights, but the abbreviated round length is likely to favour the more explosive Williams.

Opetaia joked to this masthead that two-minute rounds is “soft”, forcing Gallen to respond.

“He’s right,” the former Sharks and New South Wales captain said, before once more calling on Williams to increase the length of the rounds.

A week later, Parker has also had his say.

The one-time WBO heavyweight kingpin – who could fight for the undisputed world title later this year – read Opetaia’s critique, and agrees.

“I saw Jai made a few comments about the two-minute rounds,” Parker told CODE Sports via CasinoHawks. “But isn’t female boxing two-minute rounds?

“Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams have done great in their own careers and now they’ve switched over to boxing, and they’ve both done quite well.

“But like Jai said, eight three minute rounds would be great for them to do if they can do it.

“That’s more on the professional, male boxing side of things.”

Parker went the distance with Anthony Joshua in 2018. Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Parker gave the edge to Williams.

“I would have to say Sonny with his height and reach, but Gallen is a little feisty powerhouse himself,” he said. “He stopped Lucas Browne and nearly went the distance with Justis Huni – he was stopped in the last round.

“He’s done really well.

“But if Sonny puts in the focus, he should take care of business.”

Opetaia defends his IBF world title on the Gold Coast on June 8 against Italian Claudio Squeo, and has his sights set on unifying the division before making a move to heavyweight.

And Parker has high hopes for his fellow Samoan, saying he can become champion at heavyweight in the future.

“He’s a man on a mission,” Parker said of Opetaia. “He has a big future, and if he can unify the cruiserweight division, why not try and make it at heavyweight, like what Usyk has done?

“He’s got the ability. He’s come through hard times, just like myself, and seeing him become a world champion and looking to unify, it’s a great thing for Australian and Samoan boxing.

“Usyk has shown it is possible, and with Jai, if he really puts his mind to it, I don’t see why he can’t.

“He’s got a great work ethic, he doesn’t cut any corners.”

Parker has high hopes for Australia’s cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia. Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Parker was loosely linked to a match-up with Justis Huni, who will now fight Fabio Wardley for the interim WBA world title instead, but hinted at a showdown with Opetaia in the future.

“I’m still here, so I’ll make it a bit tough!” Parker laughed. “Jai’s young, he’s 29, I’m 33.

“I’ve got a few years left. He’s still got time to dominate at cruiserweight, and by the time he comes up to heavyweight, I might be done.

“But in boxing, you never know what’s around the corner. You never say never.”

Parker’s immediate concerns are on the outcome of July’s undisputed heavyweight world title clash between Usyk and Dubois.

Parker was due to face Dubois for the IBF world title in February before the Englishman pulled out with a mystery illness.

Now the interim WBO champion, Parker should be first in line to face either Usyk or Dubois later in the year.

“I think my time will come,” he said. “At the moment, I’m just staying ready and keeping busy.

“I wish it was me fighting for it though. I just need to stay in shape and stay prepared.

“Until I see something in writing or something solid, it’s just words. If it can happen, it’ll be awesome.

“I’d love to attend the fight and try to initiate a conversation so I could fight the winner.”

Originally published as Former heavyweight world champion weighs in on Gallen-SBW two-minute round fiasco