Paul Gallen believes his opponent is in for a shock in what the Cronulla Sharks captain says will most likely be his last ever fight in the shire.
Gallen will take on Puna Rasaubale, a Fijian rugby league international and Commonwealth Games boxer, at Sharks Leagues Club on November 10.
Rasaubale has used Instagram over the past year to taunt and trash talk Gallen – calling him out for a fight.
Gallen has a longstanding interest in fighting All Blacks star and NRL premiership-winner Sonny Bill Williams but, despite having agreed to terms on a deal, the 36-year-old is still waiting for a bout to be confirmed.
Instead, Gallen will put his unblemished 7-0 record on the line against Rasaubale who is a former Fijian heavyweight champion and competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
“We used to spar each other so I know him pretty well. He was fairly experienced compared to me then. They were always tough, hard sessions. But the tables have turned a bit with me having some pro fights and him never turning pro after the Commonwealth Games. I think he’s in for a shock,” Gallen told the Leader.
“The Sonny Bill [Williams] fight is the only one I’ve ever said I wanted. I’ve got no ambitions to gain titles or rankings. At every school I visit or talking gig I go to where questions get thrown to the floor people always ask me. There is a genuine interest in it.
“I’ve agreed to terms. After the very first boxing I ever did it was spoken about straight away. I never really thought it’d happen but then the idea just grew. They made an offer to me, I accepted it. But I don’t know [if it’s going to happen].
“This is probably it [for boxing]. I’m committed to this fight and another footy fight night if it comes off. But I don’t see myself pursuing it too much more. So this will probably be my last fight in the shire.”
Gallen held a boxing event on the field at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Woolooware last year but will hold this fight indoors with tickets strictly limited.
After a month-long break at the end of a grueling NRL season Gallen went straight back into training, looking to complete a six-week preparation for the six-round fight. Gallen said he had sparred well and was confident he could go the distance.
There will also be a WBA Lightweight Oceania interim title fight between Kye McKenzie and Nort Beauchamp as well as a return of the ultimate footy fight night event between representatives from Cronulla junior league clubs.
Tickets available here.
