Sonny-Bill Williams and Paul Gallen should split the earnings of a potential mega-fight down the middle, says No.2 IBF middleweight contender Michael Zerafa.
Behind-the-scenes video unearthed by Wide World of Sports showed the two athletes clashing off set following a spirited on-air conversation about a fight contract that has never been signed.
Williams urged Gallen to sign the deal, with the former All Black pushing for a 60-40 split. It’s understood Gallen is only interested in fighting for an equal share of the purse.
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Speaking to Wide World of Sports as talks ramp up for a possible December world title fight in Melbourne against Brazilian No.1 IBF contender Esquiva Falcao, Zerafa said negotiations over money have stalled numerous super fights within the sport’s history, adding that this instance was no different.
“How do you decide who the A-side is? If you’re smart you’d just go 50-50 instead of trying to negotiate, better than no fight at all,” Zerafa said.
“It’s hard because they’re both big names, but I’d be going 50-50.”
As for a prediction on a winner if the two ever meet in the squared circle, Zerafa gave the nod to Williams based purely on what he brings physically.
“Gallen’s got a huge heart you can’t deny that, the guy’s tough as nails. He’s a bulldozer, he keeps coming at you, walking forward,” Zerafa said.
“I think all the attributes would fall in Sonny Bill’s favour, the height, the reach, that physical side, that plays a huge role in that division.
“With such power, I think Sonny Bill would win that fight but again Gallen is very tough man.”
The Victorian slugger is currently in talks with the Brazilian in a bout for the IBF belt, after a fight with WBO No.1 contender Jaime Munguia never eventuated.
Zerafa (30-4-0) said Munguia is “all talk” and opted to go for an easier path than face him after the Mexican star called out the Aussie on social media.
Munguia’s plans to fight WBC titleholder Jermall Charlo collapsed due to a broadcaster deal and he was linked to WBC No.1 contender, Dominican Carlos Adames and American, Daniel Jacobs.
The undefeated Munguia ended up fighting Jimmy Kelly instead, winning by fifth round TKO after struggling early in the fight.
Now the Aussie’s focus is on the Brazilian, Falcao, who is undefeated in 30 fights, with 20 KO’s to his name.
“The ball’s already rolling we’re abusing each other every second day. He keeps tweeting about me and I keep reposting,” Zerafa said.
“He thinks he’s going to knock me out. I want to bring a world title to Melbourne. He said here, there, anywhere he’s going to knock me out. I love being the underdog.
“Someone should tell him to bring some toothpicks. He’ll need them to get the leather out of his teeth once I knock him out.”
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