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NSW Origin captain Paul Gallen takes on former NRL bad boy Anthony Watts on the undercard of Daniel Geale–Jarrod Fletcher at the Horden Pavillion. Join The Roar for round-by-round updates on the heavyweight contest from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Banned from rugby league at the moment by ASADA, Gallen has taken to the ring with gusto. In February he knocked out Herman Ene Purcell in two rounds at the same venue. In his second fight he takes on ex-North Queensland cowboy Anthony Watts.
Gallen showed some skills in his debut, with some good footwork and decent skills, but also some suspect defence. He was put down by Purcell but managed to roar back with the win.
The fight with Watts is only four rounds but Gallen should be a touch more wary and pick his moments against an opponent who is likely to rush forward from the opening bell.
The Cronulla skipper has had surgery last week on a golden staph infection but is not offering any excuses. Recently Gallen also told the media that he doesn’t envisage a permanent move to boxing from rugby league, which had been strongly rumoured.
Like Gallen, Watts is a novice and was in gaol 16 weeks ago for his part in a Queensland bikie brawl. The 28-year old had a fair rap sheet in rugby league and was accused of biting an opponent’s groin during a match last year.
His NRL career ended in 2011 when he was let go by the Roosters for disciplinary reasons and he was sacked in 2012 by English Super League club Widnes.
Watts made his boxing debut just last month with a quick knockout of rookie Nicholas Williamson on the Gold Coast. Watts put Williamson down after just 29 seconds.
The former Cronulla and Cowboys hooker has added some fuel to the fire in the build-up, saying Gallen had gotten off easily over the ASADA incident.
Watts is expected to start fast and pressure Gallen, so an early knockout is a huge chance. With two strong, aggressive fighters, this bout should be a war.
Prediction: Gallen by knockout.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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