Sonny Bill Williams says he “definitely” plans to fight Paul Gallen before the pair retire from boxing.
His revelation to 9News comes two days out from his bout with retired AFL hardman Barry Hall.
Williams and Hall will square off at Sydney’s ICC Exhibition Centre on Wednesday night, in a battle dubbed ‘Turf War’.
TURF WAR: Sonny Bill Williams vs Barry Hall, live and exclusive on Stan Event, March 23. Purchase the event now at stan.com.au/event
Gallen has already fought Hall – a disappointing draw in 2019 – but the 2016 NRL champion has been chasing a fight with Williams for a number of years, and it’s yet to eventuate.
Gallen has as good as given up any hope of throwing down with Williams, saying in December “unless it happens by the middle of next year, it won’t happen”.
“The ball is in his court. I’ve said for years let’s do it but there’s going to come a time where I say ‘no more’ and I bet you that’s when he says ‘let’s do it’,” Gallen said after defeating Darcy Lussick.
Now, though, Williams claims he does want to fight his former NRL rival.
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“The plan is to do this for 24 months and see where it takes me,” Williams said in regards to his boxing career.
“I know what your next question will be – is Paul Gallen a part of that? And definitely (yes).
Inside the Sonny Bill Williams camp
“But we’ll have to see how Wednesday night goes, and after a great victory then we’ll work on what’s next.
“But at the moment I’m where my feet are.”
Gallen agreed to a three-fight contract this year, but has stated he plans to retire from boxing before 2022 is finished.
He also desires a rematch against Hall, while Aussie UFC star Robert Whittaker has been floated as a potential opponent.
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Here is who NRL legend Paul Gallen has fought during his colourful boxing career
