UFC legend who faced Gallen and SBW reveals his pick to win
It's time to separate Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen and determine a winner now that they have officially met at the official weigh-in and face-off before their planned fight.
On the eve of the battle, on Tuesday, the two finally eyeballed each other at Qudos Bank Arena. Williams weighed 106.5 kg, which was somewhat more than Gallen's 100.5 kg weight. Neither was willing to jeopardize the largest payout of their careers, an estimated A$1 million (NZ$1.1 million) each via a 50/50 split, so there were no pre-fight pranks or high-jinks.
Even though the guy known as SBW has shortened to become a slight favorite, most bookmakers found it difficult to distinguish them for the majority of the lead-up. So, after almost ten years of preparation, who will prevail in a grudge match?
Mark Hunt, who has been in the ring with both men, was requested to do that. After losing to Gallen by unanimous points decision in 2020, Hunt bounced back to defeat Williams via TKO in the fourth round two years later. Before this bout, that was Williams' final fight.
Even the legendary UFC fighter had trouble choosing a winner.
Hunt, who has been invited to see the fight, stated, "It comes down to who brings it on the night."
"They are fighting at the same level. They each seek to silence one another to make their point.
It hinges on Sonny Bill's ability to capitalize on his advantages. He's quite raw in that regard, but he doesn't know how to use his height and reach.
It will be an easy night for Sonny Bill if he makes use of his length and the advantages he possesses. He will lose the battle if he doesn't.
"I believe Gallen will have an advantage if he drives at 100 miles per hour and stays within the pocket.
Who shows up on the night and who wants it more than the other person is what matters most.
Hunt responded, "That fighting dog comes with Gallen," when asked to choose a winner.
"He has a lot of mongrel, and it's going to be a dog fight. He's in for a scrap." similar to me.
Gallen said he had sparred with opponents who could do away with Williams when he got off the scales. Putting that jab aside, neither boxer seemed much interested in insulting the other, assuming that once they entered the ring on Wednesday night, words would have no real meaning.
The fight will take place over eight two-minute rounds and be shown live and exclusively on Stan, which is owned by Nine Entertainment, just like the Sydney Morning Herald. Gallen's greatest worry is that every time the Cronulla skipper tries to enter, Williams will either clinch or try to dance to safety.
Gallen remarked, "People like to watch me fight because I throw down." "I'm there to fight, and I'm moving forward." I'm not going to stand there and tap-tap-tap.
"All I want is for there to be a battle instead of a hugging match where he can hold and get away with it.
"You can't hold in boxing; hopefully, the combat sports authority will take care of that."
"I know that sometimes you get mixed up and the referee will have to break us up, but you can't hold in boxing on purpose.
"He should lose points if he does that after I get inside of him."
Following the face-off, Williams was questioned about his opponent's eyes.
“A motivated person,” Williams answered. However, you must realize that he is also examining a motivated person. I've done my research.
"My superior boxing IQ is the reason I win. I am the superior athlete, so I win. I prevail because I'm superior to him when you cut out all the nonsense and the chatter and see the qualities we bring to the ring.
Following the face-off, Williams was questioned about his opponent's eyes.
“A motivated person,” Williams answered. However, you must realize that he is also examining a motivated person. I've done my research.
"My superior boxing IQ is the reason I win. I am the superior athlete, so I win. I prevail because I'm superior to him when you cut out all the nonsense and the chatter and see the qualities we bring to the ring.