Paul Gallen slams legend’s prediction Justin Hodges will KO him in ‘huge upset’

Paul Gallen has hit back at an Australian boxing legend’s bold prediction that he will be knocked out in his last ever fight.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Paul Gallen during his bout against Justin Hodges at Nissan Arena on September 15, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Paul Gallen has bristled at Australia boxing legend Jeff Fenech’s prediction that he will be knocked out by Justin Hodges in his last ever fight.

Gallen and Hodges will square off in a rematch in Sydney next Wednesday and the Cronulla Sharks legend will be determined to finish his boxing career on a high.

Watch Gallen v Hodges 2 & Michael Zerafa’s return to the ring LIVE on Main Event available on Foxtel & Kayo Sports, Wednesday November 23 from 7pm AEDT ORDER NOW >

But Fenech, who was recently awarded a fourth world title retrospectively, believes Gallen has reached the end of his tether and will live to regret it against Hodges.

“I think Gal might have taken one fight too many … and I think Justin Hodges knocks him out,” Fenech told Fox Sports, adding he his expecting a “huge uspet”.

It’s a bold call given a fatigued Gallen defeated Hodges via unanimous decision in their fight earlier this year, on the same night Gallen also beat Ben Hannant.

“And no disrespect to Gal. I love the guy. Think he’s an absolute warrior,” Fenech said.

“When you look at some of the guys Paul Gallen has beaten, too – wow – you wouldn’t think of putting Justin in against them.

“But it’s all about timing. And Gal, he’s not getting any better. Every fight he’s losing a little bit.

Paul Gallen was too good for Justin Hodges in their first fight. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“So when things happen at the right time, or the wrong time … I think it could spell disaster for Gal.”

Hodges dropped Gallen in their first fight, which was marred by controversy when Gallen pushed Hodges on top of the ropes and nearly sent him toppling out of the ring in a move described as “illegal”.

“I know when Justin dropped Gal in that first fight, he got enormous confidence from that,” Fenech said.

“For the first fight, Hodgo was there for the money, I’m sure.

“But now, having dropped him, he really believes he can win.

“And you can see in his performances, he’s got much better.”

Gallen was quick to hit back at Fenech, telling WWOS:“I don’t understand where all this confidence for Justin Hodges comes from.”

The 41-year-old said the fact he won twice in one night and still managed to beat Hodges despite nefarious delaying tactics from his corner was evidence enough he is a better fighter than the Queensland rugby league great.

Gallen said: “How can anyone show confidence in him? Then after two rounds his trainer pulls tape off his arm, he was on his feet, he was f***ed. Where does this confidence come from?”

Jeff Fenech’s prediction had Gal seeing red. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Gallen is set for his boxing swansong. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Australian boxing has an abundance of talent at the moment but after Sonny Bill Williams’ loss to Mark Hunt and Gallen’s retirement imminent, the hunt is on for the next cross-code star.

Gallen doubled down on his theory that the No Limit boxing promoters want to see him beaten before his career’s finished to create another former NRL star-turned pay-per-view golden goose.

“I got a feeling they want to see me get beat,” he said.

“They need the next Paul Gallen. That’s why I think they’re allowing two-and-a-half minute rounds, what a freakin’ joke. They’re allowing it, it’s a bit annoying.

“But it’s business and I understand they’ve got to do what’s best for them for the next five to 10 years, I’m done next week. I’m not angry at them for that, I’ve got to use that as motivation and not allow myself to get beaten to a guy who 12 months ago I would have killed.”

Maligned boxing star Michael Zerafa, who famously pulled out of a fight with Tim Tszyu, will also feature on the Gallen vs Hodges fight card.

Originally published as Paul Gallen slams legend’s prediction Justin Hodges will KO him in ‘huge upset’