Paul Gallen has overcome being rocked early to claim a famous split decision win over Sonny Bill Williams in the main event of this highly-anticipated grudge match.
Earlier in the card, both Alex Leapai Jnr and Rahim Mundine made huge statements to open the undercard, with Leapai Jnr keeping his undefeated record intact via a devastating first round knockout win over Herve Silu Mata.
David Nyika also returned to form, outclassing Nik Charalampous; the Kiwi Olympian improved to 11-1 when Charalampous’ corner called a stop to the fight in the fifth round.
After several false starts, Kris Terzievski returned to the ring to defend his WBA Oceania and WBC Continental belts against Troy Pilcher. Terzievski dictated the pace early and, even accounting for Pilcher working off five weeks’ notice, Terzievski’s class was apparent from early on and sealed in sixth where a flurry of punches called in the referee.
Check out the full coverage below as Sporting News reported live from Qudos Bank Arena.
SBW vs Paul Gallen results and full fight card
- Paul Gallen def. Sonny Bill Williams via split decision
- Clay Waterman def. Mose Auimatagi Jr via unanimous decision
- Kris Terzievski def. Troy Pilcher via TKO
- Johan Linde def. Kane Baker via split decision
- David Nyika def. Nikolas Charalampous via TKO (retirement)
- Alex Leapai Jr. def. Herve Silu Mata via KO
- Rahim Mundine def. Joe Vatusaqata via TKO
Sonny Bill Williams vs. Paul Gallen start time
- Date: Wednesday, July 16
- Time: 6 p.m. AEST
- Main event start time (approx.): 10 p.m. AEST
- Location: Qudos Bank Arena - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sonny Bill Williams vs. Paul Gallen will be at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on July 16. The first fight of the broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. AEST. The main event will begin around 10 p.m. AEST, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
"SBW" (9-1) is a two-time World Cup winner who played from 2004 to 2019. He turned pro in boxing in 2009, winning local gold. Williams' last fight was in 2022 against Mark Hunt.
Gallen (15-2-1) has beaten Hunt, as well as Lucas Browne. The former New South Wales captain and 2016 NRL Premiership Champion has fought for local gold multiple times since turning pro in 2014.
WATCH: SBW vs Gallen fight exclusively on Stan Sport
Once former rugby stars, Williams (9-1) and Gallen (15-2-1) are known for running their mouth on the field. Now they are ready to let their fists do the talking.
"The beauty of this event is the work is done. It’s all on the line tomorrow night. This is the s--- that we love. Been through the trenches, I’m ready to go," SBW said.
"There's no fire he could ignite in me that I haven't already ignited in myself. Nobody can motivate me more than I can motivate myself," Gallen said.
"All the hard works done now. At my age, I don’t think there’s anything else I could have done to prepare better for this fight. I trained really well, sparred really well. I’m ready to go."