Paul Gallen says he is preparing for his first true test as a boxer when he steps into the ring against All Black Liam Messam in Auckland on Saturday.
The Australian, NSW and Cronulla forward made relatively light work of All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot in an impressive debut in Auckland this time last year.
But Gallen, 32, who has indicated a desire to fight former New Zealand heavyweight champion and dual international Sonny Bill Williams, said he was hoping to see some improvement when he fights for the second time on a Fight for Life undercard.
“I was three weeks out from groin surgery last time so I wasn’t really fit then,” Gallen told AAP on Tuesday.
“Saturday will be a big test of where I am at. Liam has got a bit of form, he is a tough, fit guy and I have had a limited preparation so it will be interesting to see how I go.
“He is in a similar position to me. I think the All Blacks finished up one week earlier than the Kangaroos did but that shouldn’t make too much different.
“I would have liked to have gotten more sparring in and that is something I will look to do over the next couple of days.
“I honestly don’t know enough about boxing to say I’m going to do this and I’m going to do that, I just want to come out of it with a win.”
Gallen said he had no particular plan to continue his fighting career after the bout with Messam given the short pre-season he will have with the Sharks before the start of the new NRL season in March next year.
The Gallen/Messam match-up will take place on a bill which features hometown hero Shane Cameron’s and American Brian Minto’s bout for the WBO Oriental Heavyweight Title as its main drawcard.
Gallen’s Kangaroos teammate Sam Thaiday will make his boxing debut, also over three-two minute rounds against giant Chiefs Super Rugby prop Ben Tameifuna.
Tameifuna, who tips the scales at 140kg, has reportedly broken a sparring partner’s jaw in training.
“People keep telling me that,” Thaiday said.
“It’s something different for me. I’m in there on my own as opposed to having 12 blokes alongside me.
“It’s a good challenge for me. As nervous as I am, I’m looking forward to it.”
Morgan Popham
Roar Pro
Big Ben had tremendous hand speed and head movement. Colonel Bob thinks he could make it as a fighter and was ripped off by the judges against Thaiday.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Big Ben carries a lot of extra weight, and I don't think will have a lot of hand speed. Is insanely strong though and only 22 - I would love to see this fight. Hopefully it makes youtube!
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
That said, he could train for 2 years (the probable length of any ban), and be ready to go hard in boxing after that. I don't think WADA bans training.
Marldon
Guest
I was simply asking a question. I would be very surprised if Gallen is not involved in this and I was wondering if this was what was driving him into the boxing camp. Protecting his future it seems to me.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Who you referring to ? no ones been charged yet
clearly_concussed
Guest
Great to see Thaiday mention he is nervous about going one on one, noticing that he won't be the 12th man in.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
No, only to sports that sign up to the WADA code.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
I should hope he's planning to improve as a fighter - after that spot of witness tampering, he sure doesnt have a hope of participating in any sport that is covered by WADA.
Marldon
Guest
Does't ASADA bans apply to all sports ?