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Gallen's promise to end Hunt's career

3 minute read

Rugby league great Paul Gallen says UFC legend Mark Hunt will regret ever coming out of retirement to fight him on Wednesday night.

PAUL GALLEN.
PAUL GALLEN. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

Paul Gallen plans on sending UFC legend Mark Hunt into retirement once and for all on Wednesday night.

If the pair's heavyweight showdown is even half as lively as their verbal slanging match on Monday, boxing fans at Bankwest Stadium are in for a treat.

Hunt branded Gallen a "part-time fighter", while the rugby league great accused the so-called Super Samoan of making excuses for himself for when he loses.

"Making excuses already - you haven't fought for three years, haven't boxed for 20 years," Gallen said.

"I've got no excuses. I'm going to step into the ring, I'm prepared. You're just setting those little traps in case you get beat.

"I'll win comfortably."

Despite the trash talk, Gallen, unbeaten in 11 fights, does have immense respect for Hunt.

"He's the biggest name in Australian combat sports, probably for the last 20 years," said Cronulla's 2016 NRL premiership-winning captain and former NSW State of Origin skipper.

"It's a huge challenge for myself. A huge step up. I understand that.

"But I'm ready for it. I'm ready to take whatever Mark's got and give back even more.

"He should have stayed in retirement. He won't come out of it after this."

Hunt said the 39-year-old was out of his depth.

"This is fighting. I don't know where he gets his ideas. He's talking shit again," Hunt said.

"I'll put your arse to sleep, that's what's going to happen. This is not footy.

"I'm going to fix you, man. I'm going to fix you good.

"This is the next level. I haven't even boxed for 20 years and I'm still going to clean him up."

But Gallen reminded Hunt that he wouldn't be getting another big pay day if it wasn't for him.

"You should be thanking me, boy. I had two or three other options. I chose you. I CHOSE you. You had no other options," Gallen said.

"What else are you going to do? Who else are you going to fight?"

Hunt said: "I don't need to pump myself up. I've been sitting at the top table of combat sport for two decades."

Asked how he thought the six-round fight would end, Gallen said he didn't care.

"Everyone wants me to sit here and say I'm going to knock him out. I don't care. I just want to win the fight - do what I've trained to do and win the fight."

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