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Paul Gallen press conference, two fights in one night, Justin Hodges, Ben Hannant, when is it, where is it, how to watch

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.

Gal & Hodges trade insults over 50k bet | 01:28

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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.”

Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant will both fight Paul Gallen on the same night.  Picture: Scott's Shotz.
Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant will both fight Paul Gallen on the same night. Picture: Scott’s Shotz.Source: Supplied

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Sports

Paul Gallen to fight twice on one night, Justin Hodges, when will it be, next opponent, date, latest, updates

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.

Paul Gallen will need plenty of time to cool down in between fights.  (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
Paul Gallen will need plenty of time to cool down in between fights. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

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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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