SBW vs. Gallen: Mega Millions Revive Epic Boxing Rivalry

A boxing bout between Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen is underway following over ten years of discussions.

Gallen has consented to return from retirement for the match against the ex-All Black player, with more than $1 million at stake for these two football legends.

The ex-NSW skipper told Wide World of Sports that discussions have been happening since January, with both sides dedicated to stepping into the boxing ring.

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Currently, the duration of the rounds is under debate, and no official agreement has been reached.

Gallen has expressed his preference for avoiding fights with rounds shorter than three minutes, whereas Williams reportedly favors rounds lasting two and a half minutes.

Gallen originally desired a bout of ten rounds, yet he has consented to compete for only eight rounds.

The two individuals have been associated with a potential confrontation for nearly ten years, yet nothing substantial has materialized.

The two top-tier league legends exchanged sharp remarks with each other during a panel discussion. Following the Parramatta-Warriors match in 2022, an intense debate caught on camera unfolded backstage after the broadcast had ended.

Williams made his final appearance in the ring in 2022, suffering a defeat against ex-UFC champion Mark Hunt. His overall record remains at 9 victories and 1 loss.

Gallen has suffered defeats at the hands of Justis Huni and Kris Terzievski twice.

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Shocked by Transformation: Tszyu Stunned as Zerafa Embraces New Persona

Michael Zerafa wasn't feeling up to contacting their longtime nearby competitor Tim Tszyu Following his victory as the WBO middleweight champion, he embraced his new identity.

Zerafa secured a victory over lesser-known German Besir Ay through technical knockout in the seventh round, in front of local supporters at their hometown arena. The Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night .

The 32-year-old dominated the match from the start and then shattered his opponent with a powerful uppercut, succeeded by a right-hand hook that had Ay staggering on the mat.

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Ay survived two significant knockdowns with the referee counting him out before the fight was stopped.

The win was one Zerafa had been pursuing in Sydney, yet his performance inside the ring proved more challenging than many observers anticipated.

The Aussie acknowledged after the game that he was worried about potentially breaking his hand during the second round but chose to tough out the discomfort and secure the win.

"I believe I injured my hand on his head during round two, but we continue," he stated.

I noticed it happened in round two and then I began focusing more on their head... but that’s how things went.

The performance was somewhat lacking. I secured the victory, it doesn’t matter how.

Zerafa (33-5) has maintained a villainous image during his sporting journey, yet appeared to shed this character when questioned about his upcoming opponent in the ring.

He mentioned that the primary question he often receives is about Tim Tszyu.

I'm aware he's within this building, but honestly, I have no issue with him.

Tszyu is considering a possible match against Keith Thurman down the line but first needs to overcome America's Joey Spencer when they fight on April 6 in Newcastle.

It was anticipated that Zerafa would aim to be on track for a potential clash with Tszyu in the boxing ring; however, he admitted that he is prepared to back his compatriot fighter instead.

"He has a major bout approaching, and being an Australian, I'll be supporting him," Zerafa started.

He hasn’t done anything to me. Clearly, when we compete against one another, our aim is to knock each other’s blocks off. However, he is an outstanding athlete. I’m not planning on saying anything negative about Tim.

I usually come off as the hero, but every now and then, we need some antagonists – and I’m glad to step into that part. This game is tough, really challenging. We risk our physical well-being out there.

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