The time for talking is just about over, with the Origin Rumble about to explode in Brisbane on Thursday night.
For perhaps the last time, former NSW Blues captain Paul Gallen will take to the ring.
Standing before him will be not one but two Queenslanders, with long-time foes Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant eager to get a piece of the former forward.
Gallen (12-2-1, 7KO) might be the heavy favourite, but for the first time in Australian boxing history he will take on two fights — on the same night.
Watch Origin Rumble LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Thursday 15 September from 7pm AEST. ORDER NOW >
Fireworks are expected, with a $1 million payday potentially on offer for either Hodges (5-1) or Hannant (0-1) while Gallen, who has is promising to knock both men out within five rounds.
While tensions have been simmering on the surface for weeks, they exploded in recent days following an explosive press conference on Tuesday where Gallen told Hodges to “kiss” his children goodbye because it would be the last time he sees them.
The words struck a nerve and on Wednesday, at their weigh-in, Hodges was seeing red as he walked head first into Gallen and then put his hand around his opponent’s throat before others intervened.
Gallen (102.54kg) weighed-in the lightest of the trio, with Hodges hitting the scales at 103.9kg and former prop Hannant 107.56kg.
But it’s not just the State of Origin tripod that has spectators excited, with Joe Goodall to make his return to the ring after going down in June to Australian heavyweight star Justis Huni.
Goodall, who was previously based in Las Vegas and worked under Kevin Barry, will face Arsene Fosso who is hunting an upset win over his rival.
READ MORE
Ben Hannant says Paul Gallen ‘should kill me’ — but he’ll still work at 5.30am the next day
Gal’s surprise response to Hodges throat grab as Maroons great fires up at weigh-in
Exclusive: Hodges explains walkout over ‘kids’ sledge as Gal admits emotions got better of him
Also fighting is Benjamin Hussain, as he takes on Lachie Higgins for the IBO Oceania-Orient middleweight title.
Hussain is on a four-fight win streak and is coming off an impressive victory over Wes Capper.
The card was also slated to feature an Australian lightweight title bout between Harry Garside (3-0) and Miles Zalewski (11-2). But Olympic medallist Garside picked up a hand injury a week out from the fight and has since withdrawn.
What time is Gallen vs. Hodges & Hannant?
The event and broadcast is scheduled to begin at 6pm AEST ahead of the start of the main card and pay-per-view portion of the broadcast at 7pm.
Expect Gallen’s first fight some time after 9pm and his second bout after 10pm, depending on the length of earlier fights.
Gallen vs. Hodges & Hannant format
After weeks of discussion, which saw Gallen threaten to walk away, the format has been confirmed — albeit with a surprising twist.
Both fights will be four, two-minute rounds and Gallen is set to have at least an hour break in between.
But Gallen, much to his frustration, won’t know which of the two he is fighting first until they begin their walk out to the ring on fight night.
At that point, Gallen will discover who he is fighting first.
It is widely thought that he will take on Hodges, who took down Hannant in his first bout earlier this year.
What time does the undercard start?
The undercard starts from 7pm (AEST), 6.30pm with at least an hour between Gallen’s two fights.
Odds:
Paul Gallen $1.15 vs Justin Hodges $6
Joe Goodall $1.13 vs Arsene Fosso $6
Ben Hussain $1.12 vs Lachie Higgins $7
Paul Gallen $1.04 vs Ben Hannant $10
Where is the fight?
Nissan Arena, Brisbane.
How do I watch the fight?
Order it on Main Event via Foxtel or streaming on Kayo Sports.
Watch Origin Rumble LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Thursday 15 September from 7pm AEST. ORDER NOW >
Main card
Paul Gallen vs. Justin Hodges OR Ben Hannant
Joe Goodall vs Arsene Fosso
Ben Hussain vs. Lachie Higgins
Paul Gallen vs. Ben Hannant OR Justin Hodges
Junior Tafa vs. David Tuliloa
Ty Telford vs. Vanlalawmpuia
Jack Bowen vs. Renold Quinlan
Prelims
Miles Zalewski vs. Shiva Mishra
Jalen Tait vs. Krishnil Mudaliar
Angel Rushton vs. Ange Harries
Desley Robinson vs. Stephanie Mfongwot
