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Gallen to 'earn it' in big-money Huni bout

3 minute read

Paul Gallen is set to earn $1.5 million for fighting heavyweight Justis Huni, whose management have called Gallen's bluff on threats to cancel the fight.

PAUL GALLEN.
PAUL GALLEN. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Justis Huni's promoter has scoffed at Paul Gallen's claims he'll cancel the fight if it's not in NSW, pointing to "the highest pay day of his life" as ample motivation to take on the heavyweight talent in Queensland.

The former NSW State of Origin captain has all but sealed a deal to fight Olympics-bound Justis Huni on June 16, when Gallen will reportedly earn $1.5 million for his troubles.

The only sticking point is the venue, with Gallen saying he will only fight in NSW despite the Gold Coast firming as an option.

"That's where it's going to be or it won't happen; if it went to a decision I'm no chance up here," he said before a sparring session on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.

"I've already given up the date (that was originally set for weeks earlier), I'm not giving up the location.

"If he wants to give me absolutely everything (of the fight purse) I'll change my mind yeah, but that will be the only way."

But Huni's promoter Dean Lonergan called Gallen's bluff.

"Paul loves a dollar way too much to walk away from the highest pay day of his life," he said.

"He would fight at the bottom of a Mt Isa mine with Wally Lewis as the referee, Mal Meninga heading the judging panel, with Trevor Gillmeister and Allan Langer as the other two judges with the money he will make from this fight."

The proposed match-up comes after the former NRL star's upset of Lucas Browne last month and a defeat of Mark Hunt late last year.

Huni, third at the 2019 amateur world championships, an Australian heavyweight champion on professional debut last year and a medal chance in Tokyo, is a different prospect.

"Great talent, awesome talent, very fast, great boxer," Gallen said of the 22-year-old.

"He's the prodigy, the Olympic gold medal hopeful, never been done before (an Australian winning gold).

"So to beat him would have to silence a few people surely.

"Everyone thought I'd get killed by my last two opponents and here I am and determined to beat Justis."

"I'm going to have to earn it (my money) and that's fine. I said from the start I'm here for a good time not a long time.

"I've got to 11 fights and never thought I'd reach that.

"I'll have a few more fights, make as much money as I can and have fights the public want to see. Nobody can bag me for that."

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