- Paul Gallen blasts Sonny Bill Williams at press conference
- Blockbuster HW boxing showdown is on Wednesday night
Paul Gallen has taken aim at Sonny Bill Williams during a fiery press conference ahead of the pair’s highly-anticipated heavyweight showdown.
After years of back and forth, the former NRL stars will finally get to settle their differences at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday night.
Williams, 39, goes into the fight as the favourite despite being knocked out in his last bout and having less experience than the 43-year-old former Blues skipper.
On Monday, the pair came face-to-face to trade verbal barbs at an emotionally charged press conference in North Sydney.
‘People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,’ said Gallen.
‘…this bloke has said he really dislikes me because of my cushy job – we’ve got the same job, we are employed by the same people, you idiot.
Paul Gallen (pictured) has blasted Sonny Bill Williams during a heated press conference ahead of the pair’s highly anticipated heavyweight showdown
The pair will get to settle their differences at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday night
‘…then he wants to talk about drugs. This bloke is an admitted drug user, you admitted to using drugs to cope.
‘Then you want to make up a lie about a $10 barbecue… don’t you do food reviews Sonny? Do you charge people for your food reviews?
‘Me asking blokes to tip in $10 – which isn’t true by the way – is frowned upon. You are worth millions of dollars, do you charge people for food reviews? Do you charge people to do food reviews? Yes or no?
‘You go to small business, you’re supposed to help people in the community, you go to small businesses but you charge them between $2000 and $3000, I’ve been told.
‘I’ve got a recording in my phone right now from someone who told me you charge… you are a scumbag, you are a disgusting human being.
‘You walk around like you help the community and do this and that for people when you go and charge small business thousands to “help them” – you’re a piece of s**t.’
The former All Black, who says he has a strategy to win, fired back at Gallen by making reference to alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Gallen said he expected that response from Williams.
Danny Green (pictured centre) says he can’t wait to sit ringside on Wednesday night
‘I said to media people in this room, the only thing this bloke is going to go on about is drug testing because he’s a stupid prick, he’s got nothing else to say,’ he said.
‘He’s an idiot.’
Williams last fought in 2022, suffering a shock knockout loss to MMA star Mark Hunt. Despite the setback, his athletic pedigree and star power make him a huge draw.
Gallen retired from the sport in 2022 after a win over Justin Hodges, but has always said he’d like to take on Williams.
The only two blemishes on Gallen’s pro record were in Australian heavyweight title bouts against Justis Huni and Kris Terzievski.
Aussie boxing legend Danny Green said he’s looking forward to Wednesday night.
‘It’s going to be intense when the bell goes. These boys both really want to win. Sitting next to these blokes, I’m even more excited,’ he said.
‘I can see how attuned they are to what they want to do – and they want to knock each other out. I can’t wait to sit ringside and watch these two belt each other.’
The pair will see each other again on Tuesday for the weigh-ins.
