Let’s fight on my terms.
That’s the message from Sonny Bill Williams, who remains open to a Paul Gallen square-up despite a “disappointing” public spat between them.
Having been at loggerheads for years, their war of words came to a head in July when the pair exchanged pleasantries off-camera on Nine’s Freddy And The Eighth.
Sonny Bill Williams will face Mark Hunt in a titanic heavyweight clash on November 5. Watch live and exclusive on Stan
Their latest exchange in September played out in the media when Williams told Wide World of Sport that Gallen was “just not a decent human being” after their last effort to make a fight happen failed to materialise.
Gallen retorted by calling Williams “so dumb” and under the thumb of his manager Khoder Nasser who “tells Sonny when he can breathe”.
Despite the terse words, Williams on Friday said he’s keen to make the match-up a reality.
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However, as Gallen draws closer to the end of his professional boxing career, the long-awaited fight could forever be a what-if.
Gallen will fight Justin Hodges in a rematch later this month, which the former Cronulla captain has said will be his last fight.
“I would love to have stepped in the ring with Paul,” Williams told 9News ahead of his fight with Mark Hunt at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.
“But if that’s his last fight, so be it. He’s done well. He’s earnt the right to call time on his career because he’s had a pretty successful career as a boxer.
“I’m not too sure. It’s Mark Hunt tomorrow and then we’ll see what happens.”
Williams admitted it has been awkward at times working with Gallen.
Gallen is a columnist for Wide World of Sports while Williams is a regular Stan Sport commentator.
The pair also worked alongside each other on the NRL grand final broadcast.
A sticking point is understood to be Williams’ desire to take 60 per cent of the payout from the fight.
“It was disappointing the way that it transpired – because I work with Paul, I see him at work, and now it’s kind of like he said, she said. I don’t really like that about the boxing game,” Williams added.
“People need to know that, yeah, I would love to have that fight, [but] it’s a 60-40 split. If he wants it he wants it. If he doesn’t, it’s cool, it’s no stress to me. It’s part of my life, it’s not my whole life. We’ll see.
“Sold out Cronulla Park, hey? What do you reckon?” Williams joked.
“Nah, it’s all good. My thoughts and concentration has to be with Mark [Hunt].
“Like David Tua said, he does possess that power to knock me out. God willing that doesn’t happen tomorrow night.”
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Here is who NRL legend Paul Gallen has fought during his colourful boxing career
