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
Rob G
Guest
Isn't Gallen still banned for taking performance enhancing drugs?????
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Hi Andrew. Willis Meehan, who is on the books of the Sydney Roosters, won easily with a first round KO.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Nice touch there with a sounding of the bell in honour of Phillip Hughes
John Davidson
Roar Guru
I guess the sideshow is over. Join me on the other blog for Geale vs Fletcher
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Watts' shoulder got caught in the early collison. Not much of a contest, lasting just 1 min 28 seconds. Gallen: "We ripped in for a minute but big fella needs to do some rotator cuff instead of bench press I think....I was relaxed the whole time and felt fine"
John Davidson
Roar Guru
FIGHT OVER Doctor calls it off after Watts dislocared his shoulder. Gallen wins but doesn't look too happy. Didn't even last a round, not a great look this.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 1: War is what we promised and war is what we got. Both foghters getting tangled up in the opening seconds. And Watts may have dislocated his shoulder! The fight's been stopped. Wow
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Gallen the big favourite. Will be very surprised if this lasts the scheuled 4 rounds.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Paul Gallen and Anthony Watts make their entraces. Watts comes in to Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight'
John Davidson
Roar Guru
As expected Carr gets the decision. Scores were 96-95, 96-95, 96-94, with Carr retaining the Aussie super middleweight crown.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 10: In the final round Quinlan needs a KO to win. But it's all Carr again, working perfectly his right into Quinlan's body. We go to the scorecards but surely Carr has it in the bag.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 9: With one round left Carr keeps up the pressure. It's been a simple game-plan but has worked as Quinland hasn't been able to find his groove. Carr has been very disciplined and it's hard to see past him in this one. I have him 6-3 ahead.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 8: Carr steps back up and takes control. Working Quinlan's body and anything thats in front of him. Scoring with plenty. Anthony Mundine is in Quin;an's corner, he might want to have a word. Round to Carr.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 7: A bit better from Quinlan who nows he must improve. Fighting at range he starts using his jab more. Carr coming forward and forcing the issue. Very close round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 6: Carr now in a nice groove. Landing his left and keeping the pressure up on Quinlan, who has a cut. The doctor checks and they fight on. Another round to Carr.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 5: Carr more on top. Throwing a lot more than Quinlan who seems to content to sit back and wait for an opportunity. Quinland needs to step on the gas. Carr ahead 3-2
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 4: Carr edging ahead with his workrate. Really focusing on Quinlan's body. Quinlan trying to counter punch as Carr mixes it up. Carr takes this round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 3: Very evenly matched this, these are the kind of fights Aussie boxing needs. Carr steps well, using his left. But then Quinlan finishes the round strongly with a left on his own. Great finish from Quinlan and he should have stolen the round, Quinlan 2-1 in front.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 2: Carr gets in close and goes to work. Lands a fair uppercut of his own but Quinland gets clear with some nice shots. Good return from Carr, he takes the round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 1: Both fighters trying to find their range. Quinlan starting a touch stronger and landing a nice uppercut, he takes the first round.