Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen Clash in Sydney Heavyweight Bout

In a highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match, Sonny Bill Williams faced off against Paul Gallen in Sydney on July 7, 2023. Both fighters, known for their athletic prowess and competitive spirits, entered the ring looking to settle their long-standing rivalry. The event not only showcased these two fighters but also featured several other bouts, adding to the excitement of the evening.

Fight Details and Records

Both Williams and Gallen brought impressive records to the ring. Sonny Bill Williams, at 39 years old, entered with a record of 9 wins and 1 loss. His last fight resulted in a fourth-round TKO defeat against Mark Hunt in November 2022. Standing at 191 cm and weighing 106.5 kg, Williams is known for his agility and strength.

Paul Gallen, 43, boasted a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. His last appearance was a unanimous decision victory over Justin Hodges in November 2022. Gallen stood shorter at 179 cm and weighed in at 100.5 kg. Both fighters entered the bout in peak physical condition, eager to prove their dominance.

Event Schedule and Other Matches

The coverage for the event commenced at 20:00 NZT on Sky Arena and Sky Sport Now, with the first fight expected to begin at 20:15 NZT. David Nyika, a promising heavyweight with a record of 10 wins and 1 loss, returned to the ring against Kiwi veteran Nik Charalampous, who holds a record of 23 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws. Nyika’s previous fight ended in a knockout against Jai Opetaia during a short-notice challenge for the IBF world cruiserweight title in January.

Nyika’s match was scheduled for around 21:20 NZT, while the main event featuring Williams and Gallen was anticipated to start at approximately 00:45 NZT. The full fight card included several enticing matchups:

• Sonny Bill Williams vs. Paul Gallen – Heavyweight main event, eight two-minute rounds
• Clay Waterman vs. Mose Auimatagi Jnr. – Cruiserweight, eight three-minute rounds
• Kris Terzievski vs. Troy Pilcher – Heavyweight, ten three-minute rounds
• Kane Baker vs. Johan Linde – Heavyweight, six three-minute rounds
• David Nyika vs. Nik Charalampous – 98kg catchweight, eight three-minute rounds
• Rahim Mundine vs. Joe Vatusaqata – Super middleweight, four three-minute rounds
• Alex Leapai Jnr vs. Herve Silu Mata – Heavyweight, six three-minute rounds

Fighter Statements

As the fight drew near, both fighters expressed their readiness and determination. Gallen mentioned, “It’s been a good camp – can’t say everything’s gone to plan the whole time. When you’re at my age, you run into a few hiccups here and there, but overall things have been pretty good. I’ve sparred well, I’ve trained hard, I’ve lost a lot of weight, I’m fit and healthy. Where I’m at with my age, I don’t think I could’ve prepared any better for this fight.”

Williams, reflecting on the event, stated, “The beauty of this event is the talk’s done now and the work’s been done. This is the s*** that we love. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, the big bright lights to see who can perform and I’ve done a lot of great sparring and training. I’ve been to the trenches and we’re here right now and ready to go.”

Both fighters were set to earn $1 million each, marking a significant financial incentive as they concluded their feud in the ring. This match not only captured headlines but also highlighted the enduring popularity of boxing in Australia, attracting fans eager to witness the clash of these two sporting icons.