Paul Gallen vs John Hopoate: Boxing live blog, round-by-round

8th February, 2019

Match result:

Paul Gallen has defeated John Hopoate with ease on Friday night, winning via knockout in the second round.

» Fight report: Gallen KOs Hopoate in second round
» WATCH: Gallen vs Hopoate video highlights
» WATCH: Gallen’s classy response to victory
» WATCH: Justin Hodges wins in boxing debut
» WATCH: MMA fighter’s vicious 49-second KO

Match preview:

John Hopoate and Paul Gallen meet in a much anticipated fight at the Hordern Pavillion in Sydney. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7pm (AEDT).

This event has been labelled as the ‘Star of the Ring’ and while some might question the boxing credentials of the two men that will headline the event, there can be no question around the interest and curiosity created by Cronulla Sharks legend Paul Gallen and his ‘badboy’ opponent John Hopoate.

The weigh-in broke into a push and shove affair with Gallen instigating a war of words and a good old fashioned wrestle before the support teams of both fighters kept the situation under control.

It was enough to whet the appetite for this bout and both men have made some incredibly bold statements in the lead-up, stoking the fires of anticipation.

It terms of the fight, it is hard to know what to expect, although Gallen appears to be the superior boxer. What styles they adopt will be interesting.

Gallen has a perfect 8-0-0 record despite some questionable opposition in the past and Hopoate has 12 wins and five losses to show for what has been a rather up and down boxing career to this point.

From a purist’s perspective, Gallen should deal with Hopoate easily and with youth and fitness on his side prove far too athletic and skilled for his 45-year-old opponent.

However, there is also a chance that the raw and underdeveloped skills of both men could turn the bout into a dull affair fought on the inside with little risk taken.

Then again, the chance of a wild swinging street brawl is real if the fighters choose to head down that road.

Elsewhere, there is a lot of boxing talent on display tonight. There are nine fights altogether and here on The Roar the focus will be on the boxing debut of Justin Hodges when he takes on Ipswich furniture delivery man Rob Baron.

Also of interest is Tim Tszyu’s match up with Englishman Denton Vassell.

The night will end with the Gallen vs Hopoate clash and hopefully, the paying fans get some real and sustained action.

Prediction
Not that I am wishing this upon the paying public but logic suggests this will be a bridge too far for Hopoate and Gallen should have the Tongan flat on his back sometime in the second round.

Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7pm (AEDT).

Where: Hordern Pavillion, Sydney
When: Friday 9 February 2019, 7pm (AEDT)
TV: Main Event
Betting: Paul Gallen $1.08, John Hopoate $5

Comments:

2019-02-09T23:23:34+00:00

Ben

Roar Guru

First cab off the rank.

2019-02-09T23:18:13+00:00

Drew Lawrence

Roar Rookie

The WA Combat authority for one

2019-02-09T10:44:22+00:00

Ben

Roar Guru

Put simply, it wasn't for a title and there were obviously no signs that Hopoate had any obvious medical restrictions. Age isn't a restriction unfortunately. On the flipside though, after the 'Danny Green vs Paul Briggs' fiasco a number of years ago, there are certainly some questions that need to be (or have possibly already been presented) asked of certain doctors and combat authorities.

2019-02-09T09:58:20+00:00

Drew Lawrence

Roar Rookie

Foreman’s did but I would very much like to know how a 45 year old man that hadn’t fought in near ten years was allowed to fight in the first place and against Gallen who is fit and strong not just some pub fighter on debut???? Boxing is going to get desperate again, thanks Choc

2019-02-08T12:38:35+00:00

Ben

Roar Guru

Comebacks never end well.

AUTHOR

2019-02-08T11:50:52+00:00

Stuart Thomas

Expert

Thanks Shark, I hope you like my final report above.

AUTHOR

2019-02-08T11:49:40+00:00

Stuart Thomas

Expert

Paul Gallen has made mince meat of John Hopoate at the Hordern Pavilion to culminate what was a great night of boxing. » Fight report: Gallen KOs Hopoate in second round » WATCH: Gallen vs Hopoate video highlights » WATCH: Justin Hodges wins in boxing debut » WATCH: MMA fighter's vicious 49-second KO

2019-02-08T11:32:14+00:00

Yeah Nah

Guest

Aren't you repulsed at the feeling Boxing has resorted to Rugby league player in australia I am sure we have better fighter then Justin Hodges, Paul Gallen or the Hoppa

2019-02-08T11:31:06+00:00

Drew Lawrence

Roar Rookie

We all have but that should not stop you from enjoying the fight night

2019-02-08T11:29:47+00:00

NMAC2452

Roar Rookie

Cheers ST thanks for that mate..

2019-02-08T11:29:21+00:00

Peter Breckenridge

Roar Guru

I have seen better fights in pubs... that includes Hodges..