No Limit CEO George Rose insists he would “always support” whatever decision Paul Gallen makes next after the rugby league-turned boxing star revealed he was becoming more concerned about the risks of suffering brain damage.
Gallen has punished his body throughout a brutal sporting career as a boxer and rugby league player spanning 21 years.
He’s in line for what could be his toughest test yet as Gallen gears up to fight Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant on the one night at the Nissan Arena on Thursday.
Watch Origin Rumble LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Thursday 15 September from 7pm AEST. ORDER NOW >
For all of Gallen’s sporting prowess in his career, the topic of brain damage is one of serious concern.
In an interview with News Corp, Gallen revealed a main motivating factor behind his imminent retirement from boxing is to avoid suffering “major brain damage,” although the Cronulla legend conceded he definitely has sustained “some” damage to his cranium.
While Rose knows Gallen is the “ultimate professional athlete” that is fully aware of his body and mind, he wouldn’t want to put the former NSW great in a serious spot of bother when it comes to his brain.
“Gal’s health is always first and foremost,” Rose told foxsports.com.au.
“Anyone that knows Gal knows he is the ultimate professional athlete. He covers every base in his training, his preparation and his diet. He’s one guy who’s well and truly across how his body is feeling and what impacts it is going to have on him.
“From my point of view, if he ever said to me ‘I’m done, I don’t want to fight’, for whatever reason, then that’s sweet. I respect that. He’s done enough for the sport.
“He’s achieved enough to not have to keep fighting and I’d never want to put him in a position where he feels that his health is compromised. I’d never do that.
“I’ll always support what his decision is and be supportive of his decision. He knows himself, he knows what he’s capable of and when he’s had enough.”
Gallen has stated he has one more fight left on his deal with No Limit and will be taking on a fellow footy star in his last bout.
However, he might not even get that last fight should the unthinkable happen on Thursday night and lose to either Hannant or Hodges.
But should he emerge from Thursday night unscathed, debate will ramp up once again about Gallen’s health.
While Rose stopped short of stating he himself would prevent Gallen from fighting, he has faith in the system to ensure Gallen is stopped from doing serious damage to himself.
“From that side of things, Gal’s never been knocked out,” Rose said.
“We’ve got very strict combat sports authorities that are very strict in how they operate. If they thought within a match that something’s gone too far, they call it straight away.
“They are really strict, sometimes they’ll call a fight before a fight should be called, but it’s for the health and safety of the fighters. I support that.
“We’re in the entertainment business and we want exciting fights, but if you’re putting a fighter’s health at risk, it’s not worth it. If any fighter was ever unfit to get in the ring, combat sports authorities would never approve it.”
