True to his word, Justis Huni has ended Paul Gallen’s undefeated professional boxer career to retain his Australian heavyweight title in spectacular fashion.
Huni sent the rugby league great turned pugilist crashing to the canvas with a thunderous right hook in the final round of an epic encounter on Wednesday night that lived up to its blockbuster billing.
After more than a month of verbal warfare, the combatants slugged it out relentlessly for almost 10 full rounds at the Aware Super Theatre at Darling Harbour.
But, as he and his camp predicted throughout the bitter build-up, Huni – the only man in more than a century to win the national heavyweight belt on his pro debut – was ultimately too fast and skilful for Gallen.
Considered a genuine gold medal hope for Australia at the looming Tokyo Olympics, Huni was always in front on points.
Gallen, though, earned every cent of his guaranteed million-dollar-plus pay cheque for his lion’s share 85 per cent split for the pay-per-view showstopper after courageously withstanding a devastating half-hour onslaught from the 22-year-old.
“He put up an awesome challenge. He’s very tough,” Huni said.
Gallen revealed afterwards he gamely battled on for almost eight rounds with a suspected broken rib.
“I’m a prized fighter but I’m as competitive a person as there is. I really wanted to win that fight tonight,” he said.
“But I was never going to win the fight. I think he broke my rib in the second round. He was just too fast.
“I genuinely wish Justis all the best for the Olympics and I hope he can win a gold medal for Australia.”
Gallen had notched a spectacular first-round knockout victory over Australia’s only-ever world heavyweight champion Lucas Browne in his previous fight, and outlasted UFC legend Mark Hunt in a brutal 10-round affair the bout before.
Yet promoter Dean Lonergan pre-fight dubbed this showdown as Winx versus Eeyore, giving “donkey” Gallen “less than zero chance” of beating Huni.
As promised, though, Gallen was in Huni’s face and on the front foot for much of the ferocious opening exchanges.
But he struggled to land any real blows as Huni upped the ante to have the underdog literally on the ropes deep in the third round following a flurry of telling body and head shots.
Gallant Gallen refused to buckle and it was Huni who was warned for a low blow in the fifth round.
Clearly being outboxed by his faster and more skilful opponent and behind on points, Gallen continued pushing forward in search of a knockout punch.
It never came and the former NSW State of Origin series-winning skipper even resorted to tackling Huni to the canvas in the 10th round.
That was the end of him, with Huni finishing the 39-year-old a second later with a big right hook.
The victory, as hoped, instantly made Huni a household name in Australia as the first man to drop – and stop – Gallen.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
You made my point for me Kurt. Tim Tszyu is a gun fighter; he doesn't need anything to generate interest beyond his talent. That's not true for Gallen
Kurt S
Roar Pro
I have no doubt that Huni wanted to last the 10 rounds. He wanted the time in the ring. He did in his previous fight, too. Huni toyed with Gallen. That could have been over in round 1 if needed. Gallens legs were regularly gone or set in concrete and Huni would back off and let him get through the round.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
No jealousy from me. I chose a career where I don't need to use my face as a punching bag. There are other ways that the fight could have been promoted other than using the lowbrow cheapness. Tim Tszyu manages to keep his dignity whilst promoting fights. That is because he has the confidence in his skills. And If he keeps winning, the world will not be able to ignore him. Huni has the ability to win fans at the Tokyo games. And then he will change up his style and work on his power to improve on his already impressive skillset. He will be able to continue doing that without having to threaten to break arms.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I think Huni and his camp wanted the fight to go 10 rounds. Huni hasn't been getting much quality ring time which any young fighter needs. It looks good on record to see a boxer having KOed many opponents in the early rounds but they need fights to go the distance to develop ring craft. An interesting quote from Huni post fight saying when he returns from the Olympics he would focus on his pro career. Having watched the highlights he fought similar to the amateur style, very text book like. Maybe he was using this fight as a tune up for Tokyo where boxing is run according to amateur rules.
Crow
Roar Pro
Justis was served.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
You don’t get that Gallen’s job in the lead up was to keep the fight in the press? You don’t get both of these guys got a pay day above their standing because Gallen created clicks? I think Huni understood at least. Gallen used his villain status and a big heart to take >$1m. You have to admire that, even if your jealousy for his chutzpah makes it hard. They’d never get a penny from me for these rubbish staged fights but I understand that people are interested enough to pay and admire Gallen for milking them
Micko
Roar Rookie
Come on!
adam smith
Roar Rookie
If State of Origin taught us anything, it’s that Gallen sure knows how to take a beating :laughing: In all seriousness, let’s hope he has some sense left to know when to retire. There’s a reason there are professionals in each sport.
Former roarer
Guest
In 10 years time, perhaps sooner, Gallen will have forgotten this fight, and the names of his children...
Kurt S
Roar Pro
There wasn't verbal warfare. Gallen was rude and disrespectful. Huni kept his demeanor and demonstrated what a consummate professional he is. He toyed with Gallen for 10 rounds. Gallen is not in his class an brought shame to the boxing fraternity just to improve his bank balance. Gallen does not care about boxing. Gallen cares about Gallen.
Ad-O
Guest
I'd like to see him fight Lleyton Hewitt next.
Crow
Roar Pro
Trash talking Gallen was shown who’s boss by Huni. Justis is going on for bigger and better things than a NRL has been. Outstanding display of technique and talent. Huni is our Olympic Games prospect and will surely do us proud.