Paul Gallen has a blunt message for No Limit CEO George Rose: let him know the format for his upcoming fight night by Sunday, or he’ll pull out.
Gallen (12-2, 7KO) will face both Justin Hodges (5-1, 2KO) and Ben Hannant (0-1) in one night on September 15 at Nissan Arena in Brisbane, although it is yet to be decided whether Gallen will fight back-to-back or have a lengthy break in-between.
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But with the event now officially two weeks away, the Cronulla Sharks legend has grown frustrated being kept in the dark and has officially reached boiling point.
“I’m getting over it now,” Gallen told foxsports.com.au.
“This is ridiculous. Let me know what’s happening. I’ve got to know what’s going on by the end of this week. We’re two weeks out.
“Let me know what’s happening or I’m pulling out of the f***ing fight.”
“This hasn’t been done in Australia in over 100 years. It’s not something that ever really happens. The fair thing would be to let me know what’s going on.”
Gallen has made his preference for how the evening will play out crystal clear in the build-up.
He doesn’t care who goes first, but no matter if it’s Hodges or Hannant, he wants them back-to-back.
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Although he wouldn’t be happy with the scenario of fighting one man and then having a minimum of an hour break in between, he’d be OK with it so long as he knows before the clock strikes midnight on Sunday.
A minor complication of the matter is the fact No Limit powerbrokers are overseas for UFC star Tai Tuivasa’s heavyweight bout against Ciryl Gane, with the winner likely to receive a title shot against defending champ Francis Ngannou.
It could mean an answer to Gallen’s request won’t arrive until after the fight.
By then it could be too late and deprive Australian boxing fans of not just seeing a historic fight, but also the anticipated bout between Harry Garside and Miles Zalewski.
Not informing him of the plan against Hodges and Hannant has Gallen believing No Limit has an ulterior motive as the 41-year-old made a stunning accusation at the promotion.
“It’s just frustrating,” Gallen said.
“I feel like they’re also looking for the next guy to take them to the next level. I helped get them started, fortunately they were pretty vocal in telling me that last week and actually thanked me for it, which I was appreciative of it.
“But all good things come to an end, and I’m retiring at the end of the year so they need to find the next crossover star.
“By me losing this fight, it would allow the next guy to jump in line and take over that mantle. I actually think they want me to lose.”
