Paul Gallen v Lucas Browne boxing: Gallen stuns with first-round KO
Paul Gallen has shocked the world, stopping former world heavyweight champion Lucas Browne in the first round.
- Gallen stuns Browne with 115sec KO
- Gallen-Browne purse split revealed
- $300 Uber ride to save $2m fight
- Full card
Paul Gallen has shocked the world, stopping former world champion Lucas Browne in the first round of their heavyweight bout in Wollongong. See how the night unfolded below.
Jamie Pandaram11.01pm:Gallen stuns Browne with 115sec KO
Paul Gallen has announced himself as a genuine heavyweight boxing threat after knocking out former champion Lucas Browne in just 115 seconds.
The former NRL star pulled off a huge upset, dropping Browne with three savage right hands.
Browne beat the count, but Gallen followed up with a heavy combination of blows that left his much bigger rival sprawled on the canvas at Wollongong’s Entertainment Centre.
Browne had weighed in at 117.08kg, compared to Gallen at 102.2kg, and was the favourite for the bout, though most of the betting money had been placed on Gallen.
Gallen (11-0-1, 6KO) has the biggest scalp on his blossoming boxing career, and compared this to his NRL premiership with Cronulla Sharks in 2016.
“I kept saying to myself I can knock him out, and it happened,” Gallen said.
“I’ve been training to be a boxer for eight to 10 months.
“It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to something.
“The more I trained, the more I sparred, the better I became at boxing and it showed tonight.”
Browne (29-3, 25KO) showed none of the scary power that took him to a WBA heavyweight title in 2016, and there should now be serious questions around his planned fight against Australian champion Justis Huni.
Gallen is off contract with promoter No Limit, but said he hoped to continue the partnership beyond this fight, and believes he can continue boxing for another two years as bouts against Sonny Bill Williams, Huni and a rematch with AFL legend Barry Hall loom on the horizon.
Questions had lingered about the quality of opposition Gallen had faced thus far; having beaten largely rival footballers and an unfit Mark Hunt in his last start.
Browne was another level, although he looked woefully inept against an opponent that he enjoyed every advantage; power, height, reach and experience.
On the undercard, Liam Wilson maintained his undefeated record, but was made to work through a rugged 10 rounds by Francis Chua in the super-featherweight division.
Wilson (9-0, 6KO) won with superior speed and power, staggering Chua (8-2-1, 3KO) in the sixth round before the 36-year-old showed grit to put pressure on late.
Wilson, 25, revealed afterwards he’d hurt his right hand early in the fight.
Steve Spark survived a first-round knockdown to win his grudge match against Jack Brubaker via eight-round decision.
Brubaker dropped Spark with a short right in the opening round, but the Queenslander regained his legs quickly to dominate the rest of the bout.
Spark (12-1, 11KO) had stepped up from super-lightweight to win his debut bout at welterweight, while Brubaker’s record dropped to 16-4-2 (8KO).
Bruno Tarimo defeated Kye McKenzie to retain his IBF International Super-featherweight title while also claiming the vacant IBO Intercontinental strap with a relentless 10-round assault.
Tarimo was on McKenzie’s chest for the entire fight and had his opponent rocked in the seventh round, while continuing to pepper him with a body barrage.
Tarimo moved to 26-2-2 (5KO) while McKenzie drops to 21-2 (17KO) after claiming a unanimous decision win.
Lenny Zappavigna made an impressive return after nearly three years out of the ring, blasting out Danny Kennedy in the third round.
Zappavigna, 33, dropped Kennedy with a powerful left hook.
Kennedy rose to keep fighting, however the brutal ensuing barrage of hooks to body and head saw referee Les Fear stop the bout.
Zappavigna (38-4, 28KO) is chasing a fight against former world champion Jeff Horn.
Adrian McMurray10.48pm:Gallen wins in first round
Gallen drops Browne in the first round! MY WORD! Gallen keeps punching and Browne has no answer – he’s dropped again and can’t get up – the referee stops it! It’s over in the first!! Incredible stuff.
Oh. My. God. #GallenBrownepic.twitter.com/UmS3b3mEf5
— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) April 21, 2021
Adrian McMurray10.46pm:Main event begins
Both fighters make their way to the ring. Mixed reaction for Browne, and it sounds like the crowd is with Gallen. Browne barely looks up the whole time he’s in the ring pre-fight. Let’s do this!
Adrian McMurray10.34pm:‘One career ends tonight’
We’re moments away from the main event. In Main Event commentary, News Corp’s Paul Kent says that regardless of what happens tonight, it’ll be the end for either Gallen or Browne.
“Either way, one career ends,” Kent says.
Adrian McMurray10.30pm:Wilson wins it in 10
Chua is cut around the eye and it worsens in the second. The doctor is called to take a look, he says Chua is right to go. The referee says it was from a punch. Chua looks uncomfortable. His corner tells him to go after Wilson and take him out in the third. Somehow, we can’t see that happening. Chua digs deep in the round, but Wilson still seems in control. A left hook does some damage to Chua, who refuses to go away. Chua wears another big left in the fourth … but he’s still hanging in there! Wilson starts to bleed from the nose in the fifth, Chua’s still swinging but nothing is really hurting Wilson, who has Chua pinned in the corner.
Wilson is cut over the left eye in the seventh. It appears it came from a head clash. He seems to have an issue with his right hand as well … this has become very interesting. Chua’s cut worsens in the eighth, a lot of blood around the eye. This isn’t the walkover many were expecting. We go to the 10th … and Wilson does some damage with a left. Chua’s throwing some pretty wild shots, most aren’t connecting and Wilson’s got the better of it here. To the judges then … and it’s Wilson! Wilson wins in a unanimous points decision 98-92 98-92 97-94, and he’s now the WBA Interim Oceania Super Featherweight champion.
Adrian McMurray9.41pm:Wilson-Chua begins
Co-main event time. Francis Chua and Liam Wilson to the ring. Wilson with a big height and weight advantage, and is 10 years younger than Chua. Wilson’s made a habit of knocking out his opponents, with a perfect 8-0-0 record and six KOs. A lot of hype around Wilson, let’s see if he can continue his impressive march to the top.
Adrian McMurray9.27pm:Spark wins on points
First-round knock down! Brubaker with the first breakthrough, sending Spark down. But Spark works his way back into it in the second and third. Jeff Fenech tells Brubaker “he’s letting him hit you”. He tells him to get in tight to Spark. We’ll see if Brubaker changes it up.
Brubaker’s cut around the cheek and starts to bleed. What a fight – the pair trade blows, neither is leaving anything out there. Brubaker is cut around the ear as well, Spark looks on top as we move to the seventh. Some handy combos from Spark in that round, Brubaker’s going to need something big in the last to salvage this one. Spark pins Brubaker to the ropes at the end of the 10th and they go out swinging. Brilliant fight. You’d expect Spark has won this, and the Viking has it. Spark wins in a unanimous points decision 80-72 77-74 77-74.
Adrian McMurray8.50pm:Charismatic Brubaker, Spark to the ring
Back to the welterweights, and this should be good: Jack Brubaker v Steve Spark. We get a taste of what’s to come with a pair of unique ring entrances. Spark comes out to a Viking clap (with accompanying pyrotechnics) meanwhile Brubaker walks out to Ginuwine’s Pony … he’s changed his moniker to ‘Brokeback’ and is sporting plaits under a cowboy hat and leopard print trunks. It’s … a lot.
Adrian McMurray8.40pm:Gallen debunks drug test talk
Paul Gallen made his way to the arena at some point during that last fight, and says he turned down a hotel room in Wollongong in order to prepare at home today.
“I stayed home last night, just chilled out and took it easy,” he tells Main Event.
Gallen debunks talk that he demanded Browne take a drug test prior to the fight, the former rugby league star saying it was all the work of the promoters.
“That’s got nothing to do with me, that’s up to the promoters … I was never not turning up to fight, that’s boxing,” Gallen says.
“Lucas is who he is. He’s got power … but he hasn’t really fought too many guys in Australia that are willing to take it to him. I’ve just got to be faster than him, beat him to the punch.
“I’ve got no doubt I can get the win tonight.”
Adrian McMurray8.29pm:‘Relentless’ Tarimo wins it on points
Bruno Tarimo and Kye MacKenzie take to the ring.
The ref takes a tumble in the first, tripping on MacKenzie’s foot. Tarimo opens MacKenzie up late in the first just over the left eye. Replays show the cut was caused by a head clash. The Australian-Tanzanian is given a warning about using the head. Tarimo thinks the second is over before it really is but reacts in time before MacKenzie can capitalise. MacKenzie is opened up over the right eye in the third.
Tarimo continues to go to work, it’s relentless from the shorter fighter. There’s a break in the sixth as Tarimo’s glove tape needs to be adjusted, and he explodes after the stoppage, pinning MacKenzie to the ropes and rocking his head back. The referee warns Tarimo he’ll lose a point if he hits below the belt again. And he loses that point in the eighth! MacKenzie is a mess, plenty of swelling around the eyes. Not sure how he’s taking this punishment. Incredibly they go the distance, Tarimo looking fresh after 10 rounds!
Tarimo wins in a unanimous points decision 97-92 97-92 96-93 to retain the IBF International Super Featherweight title and pick up the IBO Intercontinental Super Featherweight belt. He breaks down in tears as he’s handed the belts. Beautiful stuff from a relentless fighter.
Adrian McMurray7.29pm:Zappa’s impressive victory on return
Lenny Zappavigna makes his return to the ring next up against Danny Kennedy. This is Zappavigna’s first fight since June 2018, but looks in great shape.
Plenty of Dragons players in attendance: Tariq Sims, Matt Dufty, Corey Norman, Jack Bird and Billy Burns spotted in the crowd.
Kennedy spends the first two rounds on the defensive, but ‘Zappa’ gets the breakthrough in the third, sending Kennedy to the canvas with a left hook. He’s up and carries on but Zappavigna sends a barrage of blows his way, going in for the kill. The referee stops it, Zappavigna wins via TKO in the third.
Speaking to Main Event after the bout, Zappavigna says he wants Jeff Horn at welterweight. You wouldn’t imagine that’d happen … let’s see where he lands next.
Adrian McMurray6.59pm:Gloves are in the building
Lucas Browne’s gloves are in the building and the big man is content with them. That drama is behind us.
“I’m happy with them … they’re here, game on,” he tells Main Event.
#Glovegate status: resolved 😂 pic.twitter.com/8zIMHcAGws
— Matt Clark (@MattClarkBoxing) April 21, 2021
How’s this one going to play out?
“He’s going to want to come forward and put his head on my chest, I’ve got to keep him off and use my reach,” he adds.
“The amount of people that want me to bash Gallen is unreal.”
That ends the pre-show, onto the PPV portion of the evening. Remember you can watch on Main Event, available on Foxtel or stream it on Kayo. Book here.
Adrian McMurray6.56pm:Local fighter wins on points
Super middleweight action follows, Steven Rados up against hometown fighter Tyler Sargent-Wilson, who gets a nice reception from the Wollongong crowd. NRL player Zac Lomax of the St George Illawarra Dragons is in Sargent-Wilson’s corner as well. Rados comes out firing, but it’s Sargent-Wilson who counters and lands some nice blows. Rados is bleeding from the nose. Rados makes it more of a contest in the second, as TSW lands some blows to the face late in the second. Rados looks like he’s fading in the third, swinging wildly, he looks like he’s hurt. A huge right in the fourth from TSW knocks Rados’ mouthguard flying ringside.
#gallenvbrowne Tyler Sargent Wilson wins 4 round points over middleweight Steve rados pic.twitter.com/yMmLsAFC6H
— Grantlee Kieza OAM (@Grantlee_Kieza) April 21, 2021
TSW searches for the knock out but they go the distance in four. Sargent-Wilson takes it on points 38-38 39-37 40-36.
Adrian McMurray6.25pm:Big man Murray’s big win on debut
Onto some heavyweight action, and a couple of big lads next up. Jackson Murray stands at 201cm, while Webster Teaupa is the ‘small’ man at 190cm. Big reach advantage for Murray, in what is a pro debut for both fighters. Teaupa hits the canvas in the first, holding onto Murray’s leg, but moments latter Murray sends him to the deck for a second time, a big left doing the damage again. The referee stops! TKO victory for Murray in the first. Handy win on debut.
Adrian McMurray6.14pm:Undercard begins with victory for Ruiz
The undercard begins with Viviana Ruiz and Bec Moss, both making their pro debuts. Ruiz is well on top throughout the bout, a big right doing the damage in the third before a barrage of punches forces the referee to step in and stop the fight! To Moss’ credit, she remained on her feet. Ruiz is pumped, hugging and touching gloves with everyone in the ring after her TKO win. Nice fight to begin things.
Peter Badel5.30pm:Gallen-Browne purse split revealed
Paul Gallen will pocket almost half-a-million dollars from tonight’s heavyweight blockbuster against Lucas Browne.
News Corp can reveal the lucrative payday awaiting Gallen and Browne when 219kg of muscle, testosterone, ego and punching power collides tonight at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre.
Former NRL star-turned-pugilist Gallen (10-0-1, 5KO) will pocket $450,000, while Browne (29-2, 25KO) is well and truly the B-side, earning $130,000 despite boasting a better boxing resume following his shock WBA world-title win in 2016.
Browne stood to make $230,000 from the six-round showdown, but was forced to give up $100,000 to a rival promoter as part of a contractual release giving him the green light to fight Gallen.
Gallen has made no secret of his desire to chase big-money fights and the bout with ‘Big Daddy’ Browne will deliver one of the most significant financial bonanzas of his 20-year sporting career.
While Browne will pocket less than a third of Gallen’s purse, the just-turned 42-year-old admits it beats the paltry $3000 he would receive for many of his fights in his dream to conquer the boxing world.
After scaling the summit five years ago with his head-spinning world-title defeat of Ruslan Chagaev, Browne effectively hit rock bottom following two doping violations, the first of which saw him stripped of his WBA belt.
Now Browne is rebuilding financially with a six-figure windfall for the Gallen bout, which represents one of the most lucrative payments of his 12-year fight career.
The looming war in Wollongong shapes as a money-spinner for the man who emerges victorious.
Gallen is eyeing a potential $2 million bout with Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni in December. But first Huni is set for a July showdown with Browne, who could pocket more than $200,000 in his shot at the national title if he overcomes Gallen tonight.
Watch footage of Browne’s knockouts and it is scary. He has an 80 per cent knockout record. His rocket-fuelled right-hand could bend steel.
But after conjuring a stunning upset of UFC legend Mark Hunt in December, Gallen said Browne is writing him off at his peril.
“Lucas Browne is not a boxer at all,” said Gallen, who has been sparring against Cameroon’s 190cm monster Arsene Fosso to help him prepare to handle the height of the 196cm Browne.
“Browne is only taking this fight because he thinks he is going to walk through me and get another good payday against Justis Huni.
“He has some power in his right hand for sure and that’s all he hangs himself on.
“Mark Hunt had faster hands and was more skilled than I thought. Lucas will be another level on that so it’s a big occasion for me.
“I believe I can get Browne with my jabs and when I get the opportunity to throw punches I will let them go.
“I have been doing all the right things in training, but I have to do it on the night.
“Once a rugby league player beats him, Lucas Browne’s name will be nothing overseas.
“If I beat him, what options would he have? He loses all prestige.”
David Riccio5.00pm:Gal’s fear: ‘I don’t want to stutter again’
Paul Gallen takes a pen with him to work as a commentator.
“I always write things down, just in case I do forget,” he says.
As a kid, Gallen had a terrible stutter in his speech.
He’d embarrassingly have to stop, repeat, stammer, try again, just to ask for an ice cream at the corner store.
“I don’t want to end up stuttering again,’’ Gallen confesses.
“I’ve probably got that susceptibility in me, so that may come back.
“I think after 400 games of rugby league and a few fights, there’s a fair chance to say there’s going to be some type of issue from head knocks.
“How that affects me, I don’t know?”
Gallen, love him or loathe him, is human.
Impossible to comprehend for the haters who could use a head injury assessment of their own, is that inside Gallen’s skull, is a brain.
Inside his heart are emotions, a consciousness and a ticking clock, reminding him every day that he’s closer than ever before to finally blowing out the competitive fire that has spanned two decades.
Approaching his 40th Birthday, Gallen has amassed 409 first-class rugby league games for Australia, NSW State of Origin, NRL All Stars and his beloved Cronulla Sharks.
Jamie Pandaram4.30pm:$300 Uber ride to save $2m fight
It’s the $300 Uber ride that will save a $2 million event.
On Wednesday morning, an Everlast official will head to Sydney Airport, collect a pair of extra large 10-ounce gloves that have been shipped from Melbourne, then be chauffeured to Wollongong and hand them to Lucas Browne so he can fight Paul Gallen.
The #GallenBrowne gloves crisis has been sorted thanks to @WillTomlinsonAU 🥊 Geelong 🚘 Melbourne âœˆï¸ Sydney 🚘 Wollongong 🥊 pic.twitter.com/ThAaxQNEbT
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) April 20, 2021
As far as Australian boxing last-minute-glove-debacle-threatens-fight sagas go, this one’s a doozy.
News Corp has obtained a text message conversation between Browne and fight promoters No Limit from two weeks ago, in which the giant heavyweight makes clear he needs either XL or XXL-sized gloves.
It’s understood Everlast sent two pairs of large gloves instead. Browne attempted to try them on Tuesday morning.
“I couldn’t even get my hand into the first one, and in the second it was so tight my thumb was flat against my palm and my fingers were twisted up,” Browne said.
Then came the furore.
Browne suggested using the controversial Everlast MX horsehair gloves, which have very little padding in the knuckles area and have caused arguments before major fights previously.
Notably in 2014, Floyd Mayweather would not allow Marcos Maidana to wear the MX gloves before their first fight. Maidana caved, and while it was reported Mayweather had paid him an additional $1.5 million not to wear these gloves, Maidana rejected that figure.
Jeff Horn was involved in similar controversy in 2018 when he fought Terence Crawford in Las Vegas. Horn’s team was mortified that Crawford chose to wear the horsehair gloves, and after threatening to pull out of the fight, Horn took the $2 million payday and decided to also wear the thinly-padded gloves, only to be knocked out by Crawford.
Browne said he had a pair of MX gloves that fit him.
“I’ve fought in the Reyes [horsehair] gloves before, I’m a puncher so it’s great for me, he’d have the same gloves on so I’d have no advantage, I just want a glove that fits,” Browne said.
“I said three or four weeks ago I need extra large gloves, it’s not my fault it hasn’t happened.”
But Gallen’s adviser Peter Mitrevski said: “We’re not fighting in MX gloves, they’re horsehair gloves, they’re virtually banned all around the world, it’s safety for both fighters. They’re trying to say MX is the only gloves that will fit his hand. No, we’ll go and get another pair.”
4.15pm:How to watch Gallen v Browne
Watch live from 7pm AEST on Main Event, available on Foxtel or Kayo. Book here.
4.00pm:Gallen v Browne: full card
MAIN EVENT: Paul Gallen vs. Lucas Browne, heavyweight
– Liam Wilson vs. Francis Chua, super featherweight
– Jack Brubaker vs. Steve Spark, welterweight
– Kye MacKenzie vs. Bruno Tarimo, super featherweight
– Leonardo Zappavigna vs. Danny Kennedy, welterweight
– Tyler Wilson vs. Steven Rados, super middleweight
– Jackson Murray vs. Webster Teaupa, heavyweight
– Viviana Ruiz Corredor vs. Bec Moss, super flyweight
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