Paul Gallen steps into the ring for the first time since his TKO loss to Justis Huni against Darcy Lussick on Wednesday night.
And as is customary on fight week, the former Sharks skipper did his utmost to promote the fight, comically accusing Lussick of “chasing a payday”. Lussick took the fight on short notice after Josh Aloiai but was forced to pull out after contracting Covid-19.
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He has one-fight to his name – a KO win over former Maroons great Justin Hodges. Gallen kicked off the obligatory trash talk at today’s press conference, telling those in attendance extra pressure is on him, since his rise through the Australian boxing ranks.
“I think he’s s—ting himself,” Gallen said.
“I can hear it in your voice. As a guy, you’re a good guy. It’s nothing personal but I’ve got to smash you.
“It [the payday] is all you’re here for. He’s not going to be able to handle what’s coming. He’s in big trouble. I’m going to smash you.
“It is a lose-lose situation (for me),” he added.
“If I win, I was expected to win. If I lose, I will be ridiculed. I will be coming from the bell. I’ll be getting him early.”
Lussick seemed content just to take it easy through the media conference, leaving the verbal jousting to Gallen.
“I’ve done absolutely everything I can to be ready for Wednesday night,” he said.
“I’ve put myself in a good opportunity to take this fight. At the end of the day we both have to get in there and fight.
“I’m not worried about what he says and I’m sure he’s not worried either.”
Both men and fighters on the undercard will have extra motivation to perform, with No Limit’s George Rose confirming a $20,000 bonus for KO of the night.
“I want to see the boys swing,” Rose said.
The card has some familiar faces, with Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Harry Garside making his pro debut against Sachin Mudaliar (9-1).
“To be honest I’m the type of person that loves pressure,” Garside said.
“I think the bigger the occasion the more I rise to it. It’s a fulltime job. This is all I’ve ever known. My professional debut. I’m so excited.
“People like Kambosos, Huni, Tim Tszyu — it’s a really exciting time for Australian boxing. I don’t want it to go six rounds, I want that $20k.”
Ex-NRL players Justin Hodges and Nathan Ross will fight on the undercard, while Joey Leilua and Chris Heighington will also get in the ring.
The former NRL players exchanged some words at the press conference. Leilua declared Heighington will be “lying on the ground crying to his mummy” after the fight.
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