Paul Gallen is set to end his boxing career in the most spectacular way possible: by fighting twice in one night.
Foxsports.com.au understands negotiations are nearing completion for the unique boxing extravaganza, with Gallen to feature in two fights on a star-studded card being planned for a date in September. And in another twist, the NSW Blues legend will attempt the feat deep in enemy territory in Queensland.
Gallen is already regarded as one of Australia’s toughest athletes but the prospect of trying to defeat two opponents on the same night — something rarely seen in professional boxing — will put that reputation to the ultimate test.
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One of Gallen’s opponents will likely be a fellow former NRL star Justin Hodges, who recently won two fights in the space of three weeks by defeating Ben Hannant (via UD) and Jordan Simi (via UD).
Gallen’s second opponent is yet to be decided but foxsports.com.au understands the shortlist includes several former footy stars. Hannant, Sam Thaiday, Russell Packer and Chris Walker are among those to have been sounded out.
With several of the prospective opponents hailing from Queensland, Gallen has the chance to realize a dream he teased recently.
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speaking to foxsports.com.au ahead of Hodges’ fight against Hannant in June, Gallen claimed the opportunity of “getting to bash two Queenslanders in one night would be fun.”
Hodges and Gallen have engaged in a war of words after the pair made a bet that whichever state won this year’s Origin series would host a fight between the two.
Despite the Maroons great being willing to give up hometown advantage, such is his desperation to fight Gallen, Hodges is set to get to fight in front of a hometown crowd for just the second time in his boxing career.
The time frame between fights is one element yet to be confirmed. Gallen could either take on one opponent earlier on the card and return to the ring for the main event, or fight back-to-back fights in a grievous test of endurance.
Gallen has suggested on numerous occasions he will hang up the gloves at the end of the year, if not before.
But in a career that boasts wins over UFC legend Mark Hunt and Aussie former world heavyweight champion Lucas Browne, the chance to win two fights in the same night would be the perfect way to bow out of the sport for good.
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