Rugby league legend Paul Gallen will next pull on the gloves for a fight with Australian heavyweight Kris Terzievski in May.
In an announcement ahead of the Harry Garside-Manuer Matet clash on Wednesday night, Gallen stepped into the ring for an interview as it was revealed he’d fight in Newcastle on May 11.
The former Sharks captain and Terzieevski will headline a card that includes Nikita Tszyu, the younger brother of Australian boxing megastar Tim Tszyu, in his second professional bout.
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Gallen, who last squared off with former NRL forward Darcy Lussick in December, revealed in the Fox Sports interview that he had no idea about the fight until Wednesday afternoon.
But the 40-year-old is relishing the challenge.
“I got a phone call this afternoon from Matty (No Limit Boxing chief executive Matt Rose) asking if I want to fight on May 11,” Gallen said.
“It’s only five weeks away… obviously it’s a quick turnaround, but I think for someone my age who continually trains, I don’t have to worry about a long preparation; I can just rip and tear.
“I’m actually looking forward to it. I’m really excited to get back in the ring.”
Gallen has a professional boxing record of 11-1-1, while Terzievski’s is 10-1-1.
Gallen’s only loss yet was at the hands of Australian gun Justis Huni in June last year.
The former Test and State of Origin workhorse was in the crowd for Sonny Bill Williams’ incredible first-round stoppage against AFL great Barry Hall in March.
Gallen was spotted chatting with Williams after the fight, fuelling hopes of a highly anticipated showdown finally coming to fruition.
Fans have craved a Gallen-Williams bout for more than a decade.
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