Paul Gallen will fight former NRL player Darcy Lussick after Covid drama

Paul Gallen’s December fight plans have been salvaged with a last-minute decision from a former NRL rival to step into the ring.

Pictured in his change room is boxer Paul Gallen following his loss to Justis Huni. Picture: Richard Dobson.

Former NRL player Darcy Lussick has ben unveiled as Paul Gallen’s next opponent in a press conference event on Monday.

The former Cronulla captain’s highly-anticipated fight with NRL star Josh Aloiai was scrapped last week when the Sea Eagles forward contracted Covid-19.

It was supposed to be the headline fight on the two-night boxing double header in Newcastle on December 9-10 — but Gallen’s plans have now been re-built from the ground up.

It was announced Monday, Gallen will step into the ring with Lussick at Sydney’s Star Event Centre on December 22.

The details of the undercard are yet to be confirmed.

The previous Gallen fight feast scheduled earlier in December included the debut professional fight of reality TV star Arabella del Busso.

Watch Boxing Live & On-Demand on Kayo. Selected international fights, classic bouts and more. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

Lussick created headlines in his professional boxing debut two years ago when he knocked former Broncos star Justin Hodges out cold.

He has not fought professionally since then. Gallen has not fought since he suffered defeat in his brutal 10-round battle with Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni in June.

Pictured is boxer Paul Gallen after being beaten by his opponent Justis Huni in their bout for the Australian Heavyweight Title held at the ICC in Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

Darcy Lussick celebrates winning his Heavyweight undercard fight over former NRL player Justin Hodges. AAP Image/Brendon Thorne.

It was also announced Monday that the main event fight has been slashed to three two-minute rounds.

Gallen previously attacked Aloiai for refusing to fight over three-minute rounds, but has settled for a mini-fight against Lussick that will last just six minutes.

“It’s been very frustrating. I’ve got to get my mind back on the job now,” he said

“The last weeks I’ve done nothing but today I’ve tuned back in already.

“I am a bit [rattled] to be honest, it’s been a bit of a s*** fight the whole thing with the preparation of the other one and now he’s pulled out. I’ve just got to get on with it, it’s all good.”