Result leaves the boxing world divided as Paul Gallen claims grudge match

Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams had words for each other in a heated exchange in the ring following their controversial fight.

It took so many years to finally happen and of course there was a controversial finish to Paul Gallen’s long-awaited bout with Sonny Bill Williams.

After countless stories, insults, accusations and false steps, the two former footy greats took to the ring at Qudos Bank Arena well after their primes to finally settle their beef.

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Williams looked much fitter and fresher in the early rounds, using his jab to good effect, before Gallen produced one of his trademark comebacks to take the win and all the bragging rights by split decision, 77-74, 74-77, 76-75.

The former Sharks skipper has shown time and again in his belated boxing career that he’s rarely beaten, even when he’s in a deep hole, and that proved the case again on Wednesday night.

Gallen started to increase his work rate against a sloppy Williams, who was deducted a point in the seventh round for persistent holding.

Watch the highlights in the video player above

Paul Gallen celebrates winning while Sonny Bill Williams (right) turns his back. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

There were awkward scenes in the ring after the fight, which you can watch below, as Williams shook Gallen’s hand before they exchanged words for a minute in a heated, lengthy exchange.

At one stage Gallen pointed his finger at Williams, who was animated as they spoke — it looked like there was still plenty of animosity between them.

Commentator Brenton Speed said: “That is great to see, putting their differences aside.

As Gallen and Williams kept talking, he added: “And still the chit chat goes on!”

“Sonny just came up to me and said he wants to have a coffee man to man, and I’ll honour that,” Gallen said on Stan Sport.

“I have my fights, I finish my fights, I get on with life. I’m not going to bring this up or talk about it or carry on.

“I’m not going to gloat. It’s been a long time coming, I got the job done and that’s all that matters.

“Me and Sonny had a decent chat just then, I sincerely wish the best to him and his family.

“Me and him are like oil and water, we’re never going to break bread but I’m willing to have a coffee with him and catch up man to man, and I wish him all the best.

“I’ve seen him with his kids at the footy, he is a terrific dad. I can’t wait to go back to being a dad to be honest, the last two or three months have been so consuming.”

Viewers divided by tight result

Both fighters had their moments, with Sonny Bill using his jabs and uppercuts well, while Gallen worked the body and found the target with some heavy punches.

Many of those watching on, including Danny Green and Renee Gartner, felt the Kiwi had done enough to win the fight.

But in the end the judges gave it to Gallen in a split decision that surprised many watching on.

Despite the fact neither 43-year-old Gallen nor 39-year-old SBW had fought anyone since November 2022, there was still strong interest in this long-awaited showdown.

Williams lands a punch before the controversial decision. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

NRL fans and players appeared to be mostly in Gallen’s camp, while scores of former Wallabies and All Blacks were hoping for a Sonny Bill victory.

In the end the rugby league fans could celebrate a result that left many, including Gallen, surprised.

The healthy dislike between the two fighters seemed genuine, although Gallen said after he accepted Williams’ offer to meet for a coffee one day.

That was all we heard from Williams, who stormed off immediately after the scorecards were read.

You can recap all the big moments from the night of fights with our live updates below.

Originally published as Result leaves the boxing world divided as Paul Gallen claims grudge match