Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen clash ahead of the most anticipated showdown in Australian boxing – With just two days until Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen – the most anticipated showdown in Australian boxing this year – the two fighters finally met for the first time in over a year at an emotionally charged press conference today in North Sydney.
On the eve of tomorrow’s weigh-in and face off, tension filled the room as the two sporting icons turned boxing superstars faced the media, speaking on the decade-long rivalry before they face each other in the ring during this Wednesday’s fight night at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
Paul Gallen said:
“Let’s settle the score. Who cares what’s happened in the past, I’m trained to fight. I’ve been here for one reason – to have a go. I’ve never been concerned about legacy. Even at my age, I’ve got no doubt I can beat him.”
In response, Sony Bill Williams said:
“The one thing I’ve always said is, I may not be the best boxer but I know I can beat this guy. Wednesday night, it’s on. I’m laser-focused, and I know that if I’m focused, I’ll show how limited this guy is. He’s been at the top of his game for a long time, but so have I.”
Boxing legend Danny Green added:
“It’s going to be intense when the bell goes. These boys both really want to win. Sitting next to these blokes, I’m even more excited. I can see how attuned they are to what they want to do – and they want to knock each other out. I can’t wait to sit ringside and watch these two belt each other.”
Also joining them on stage were the stars from a stacked undercard, including a title fight between Kris Terzievski and Troy Pilcher, Olympic medallist and cruiserweight world title contender David Nyika, and two fighters with famous fathers, Alex Leapai Jr and Rahim Mundine.
Troy Pilcher will be competing for the WBA Oceania Bridgweight and WC Continental Bridgerweight titles against Melbourne’s own Kris Terzievski, and said: “I’ve only had five weeks to get ready for this, so I’ve put myself through a lot of pain in that time. I’ve pushed forward and put the pressure on. I’m ready to go. Tune in, it’s going to be good.”
Terzievski responded:
“I’ve really put myself through the ringer in this training camp. I’ve had time to evolve, I’m excited. It’s going to be a massive show.”
Also on the card is Kiwi sensation David Nyika [10‑1] returns after his first pro defeat to world‑champion Jai Opetaia earlier this year. The former Olympic and Commonwealth medallist will be out to reassert himself with another trademark, power‑packed performance.
Alex Leapai Jr [4‑0‑1] makes his next pro outing amid rising hype. The undefeated teenage heavyweight is carving his own path – though he’s following in the footsteps of his father, Alex Leapai who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight world title in 2014. Junior is already showing he has the sheer size and the tools to reach the very top.
David Nyika said:
“This has not been an easy camp for me. Psychologically, coming back from a loss. I really expected to be a world champion right now. But we side step to move forward, and this is an epic card.”
Alex Leapai Jr responded:
“Wednesday I’m looking to make a statement. I’m looking to get back onto the winning side.”
About Sonny Bill Williams:
A globally admired dual‑code champion, Sonny Bill Williams won NRL premierships with both the Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters and starred in two Rugby World Cup‑winning All Blacks sides. He’s since proven himself in the ring, formerly holding the NZPBA Heavyweight and WBA International Heavyweight titles.
About Paul Gallen:
A one‑club legend, Paul Gallen captained the Cronulla Sharks to their maiden NRL premiership in 2016 and ended NSW’s Origin drought in 2014. In boxing he’s been one of Australia’s biggest drawcards, notching eight knockouts, including wins over MMA icon Mark Hunt and former Australian champion Lucas Browne.
SBW v Gallen at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on July 16 is available to order now on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70.
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Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen clash ahead of the most anticipated showdown in Australian boxing
