Justin Hodges has lit a fuse ahead of his fight against Paul Gallen, declaring he’d knock the Blues legend out “easy” and provided a brutal reminder of who won more Origin series.
Gallen will fight Queensland legends Hodges and Ben Hannan on the same night in what promises to be an epic boxing extravanganza at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane on September 15.
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And just as there was bad blood as footy players in the feisty Origin clashes, it seems that no love has been lost since all three talked the talk at the press conference.
Gal made a wild bet that if Hodges put $10,000 on the line and knocked the Sharks great out, Hodges would receive $50,000.
“Put your money where your mouth is, put your balls on the line,” Gallen said.
“Have $10,000 on it. I’ll give you five-to-one.
“You’re not man enough… Shake my hand on $10,000. Shake my hand on the $10,000 bet.”
Hodges hit back with a cutting reply.
“I beat you in every series at Origin,” Hodges said.
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“I’ll knock you out easy.”
The Broncos legend was also blunt as to how the fight would end.
“I’m going to knock him out,” Hodges said.
“That’s what I’m training for.
“I’ve been working my guts off the last couple of fights preparing myself to what I need to go to.
“I know at some stage he likes to walk forward and that’s going to suit me to a tee, I’m going to catch him.
“I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”
Ben Hannant was the first man to fan the flames when the former NRL star described Gal as someone who’s more “like a Queenslander” than the proud New South Welshman that he is.
“The most hated New South Welshman in history would have to be Paul Gallen,” Hannant said.
“The reason why is because what he brings. He’s actually like a Queenslander, to be honest.”
Gallen smoked: “Please don’t disrespect me like that. Come on.”
Hannant explained his claim further.
“He puts in effort, he keeps showing up, he never gives up,” Hannant said.
“Against everyone that he goes up against, he thinks he can beat.”
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