Boxing

Justin Huni Rematch is Going to Hurt the Spirit of Paul Gallen, Claims Fight Promoter Dean Lonergan

by
Ayush Harsh
May 6, 2021

A leading boxing promoter has labelled Justin Huni’s fight against Paul Gallen a stupid decision. Fight promoter Dean Lonergan took aim at the former rugby league star after confirming that the blockbuster all-Australian heavyweight clash would be taking place in mid-June.

He insists that Paul will resort to dirty tactics in an attempt to win. The venue hasn’t been confirmed yet, but Lonergan said the fight would badly for Gallen.

Lonergan said, “I’ve had to sharpen my pencil. It’s a deal Paul will get the best payday of his boxing career and perhaps his life. Paul also has the option to do a second fight on the same terms. We did that because we truly value what he brings to the table, but I doubt he’ll want to exercise that option at the back end of his fight.”

Gallen extended his unbeaten record (11-0-1) after destroying former WBA heavyweight world champion Lucas Browne.

Paul Gallen punches Lucas Browne during their bout at WIN Entertainment Centre on April 21, 2021 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Huni is a rising star and is currently preparing for an assault on the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Lonergan laid out his thoughts about how he thinks the match will unfold.

He said, “Paul understands we’re in the hurt business. I honestly think Justin Huni is going to hurt him. But he’s signed up for it, he’s getting paid well for it. So instead of this being a merciful one or two-round KO, this is going to be a long-drawn-out beat-down over four or five rounds. Paul Gallen is going to question the sanity of getting in the ring with this guy.”

Huni’s fight with the former NRL premiership winner comes just weeks before he flies to Tokyo for the Olympic Games. However, the 22-year-old Huni is confident there’s no risk it will undermine his Olympic dream.