It’s time for Paul Gallen to have his Anthony Mundine moment against Mark Hunt

Exactly 10 years on from one of the most satisfying nights in Australian boxing history, it’s time for Paul Gallen to be humbled.

Paul Gallen (right) is facing a knockout artist in Mark Hunt. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images for Fox Sports)

It’s been written on Paul Gallen’s social media pages dozens of times this week and pretty much every time he’s entered the boxing ring.

“Can’t wait to watch you get knocked out.”

But in each of his 10 fights over the past six years, Gallen has disappointed those desperate to see him face down on the canvas.

This Wednesday night against Mark Hunt could be a different story.

Just like Anthony Mundine was 10 years ago this month when he was unexpectedly floored by Garth Wood, Gallen could finally be humbled.

He’s not as brash as Mundine, but he’s played the agitator in recent high profile promotions against Hunt and former AFL player Barry Hall and it’s likely increased the audience cheering against him.

Unlike Hall, who had his detractors because of some on-field thuggery during his playing career, Hunt has always been a popular fighter. And regardless of his age (46) and his fitness levels (often lacklustre later in his MMA career), Hunt possesses a pair of hands more than capable of turning of Gal’s lights.

Described as the “hardest hitter in the world” in 2016, Hunt has a highlight reel full of walk-off KOs. Wednesday night might be the next addition.

HOW TO WATCH GALLEN v HUNT

The fight, which co-headlines the Sydney Super Fight alongside Tim Tszyu’s bout against Bowyn Morgan, can be streamed on Kayo or ordered through Foxtel’s Main Event for $59.95.

The undercard starts at 5.30pm with the six-round bout between Gallen and Hunt likely to start around 9pm before Tszyu walks to the ring around 9.30pm to 10pm.

Here’s the broadcast schedule for #TszyuMorgan #GallenHunt on @MainEventTV on Wednesday night 🥊 pic.twitter.com/2VLbfWOElg

— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) December 12, 2020

WHO WILL WIN?

Hunt ($1.40) is a short-priced favourite although Gallen ($2.80) has shortened since betting first opened. The result could depend on how serious the arm injury the former NSW Origin captain suffered which had put the bout in doubt – and Hunt’s fitness. Gallen’s best hope is to put relentless pressure on the older man and prevent him from unloading heavy shots. Gallen has little hope of finishing Hunt – who has an incredible chin – but might be able to work his way towards a points victory.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Paul Gallen

Age: 39

Height: 180cm

Weight: 105kg

Boxing record: 10 fights 9 wins 1 draw

Most recent fight: Barry Hall in November, 2019 – Majority draw

Mark Hunt

Age: 46

Height: 178cm

Weight: 120kg

Boxing record: Two fights one loss one draw

Kickboxing record: 43 fights 30 wins 13 losses

MMA record: 29 fights 13 wins 14 losses one draw one no contest

Most recent fight: Justin Willis at UFC Fight Night in December, 2018 – Unanimous decision loss

Mark Hunt and Paul Gallen are ready to throw down. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images for Fox Sports)