Paul Gallen has responded after boxing promoters revealed he will not be told who he’s fighting first until the last minute in Thursday night’s historic boxing double header.
Gallen takes on Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges on the same evening at the Nissan Arena, with the Cronulla Sharks legend to have a minimum of an hour between the first and second fights.
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PRESS CONFERENCE: Hodgo, Gal separated as presser turns nasty
There will be two fights sandwiched in between, with Gallen’s bouts also scheduled for four two-minute rounds.
But under dramatic plans confirmed by promoters No Limit at Tuesday’s press conference Gallen will not know his first opponent until he is in the ring and his opposite number’s walkout music plays.
“I know Gal is not going to like that but it is what it is and I think it’ll make for an enjoyable night and it’s all about entertainment. A bit of WWE there,” No Limit boss Matt Rose said.
The development is sure to only rile up Gallen further given his frustrations with No Limit in the lead-up to the fight having been left in the dark over several details.
However he insisted at the press conference he was ready to go, regardless of the plan.
“I’m used to it. It’s been an issue between me and No Limit for the past three or four weeks. I’ve been trying to get information out of them, I can’t get any,” Gallen said.
“I found out a week ago I’m going to have an hour’s break in between the fights, that’s all I’m going to worry about.
“Both of these guys can come in when they want. They can tag team if they want, I’ll knock both of them out.
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“That’s all that matters. I get the win on Thursday night, I get to leave here, get paid, get home safe and sound, that’s all I care about.”
A final decision as to who will get first dibs on laying their hands on Gallen is to be decided on the basis of a coin toss conducted by No Limit chief executive George Rose.
Hannant and Hodges have preached the value of teamwork in terms of the first man doing their utmost to soften Gallen up for the second man to take full advantage.
It’s yet another factor of the fight night that will serve as frustration for Gallen, given the proud New South Welshman is entering the eye of the storm up in Brisbane.
Should Gallen be successful in dispatching his first opponent of the night, it is understood the fallen foe will be walking out with their former Maroons teammate and cheering them on from ringside.
There also exists the possibility of the unthinkable happening, as Gallen is no certainty to win his first fight.
If Hodges or Hannant causes the monumental upset, then they will face off in a rematch of their fight in late June.
Not only that, but the man who conquers Gallen will pocket a cool $1 million as a result of a rematch clause inserted into their recently-revised contracts.
