Paul Gallen has denounced a problem with Australian boxing before the biggest local heavyweight fight in years.
Paul Gallen has applauded Justis Huni and Joe Goodall for putting their undefeated boxing records into play in the long-awaited heavyweight bout tonight in Brisbane.
Huni (5-0) will face and Goodall (8-0-1) in the biggest Australian heavyweight bout in recent years with the two fighters ready to take the next step in their careers.
Watch the Justis Huni heavyweight battle against Joseph Goodall for the WBO Eastern and Pan-Pacific regional titles of the IBF. Wednesday, June 15 at 7pm AEST LIVE with Main Event at Kayo Sports & Foxtel. ORDER NOW>
The winner will likely advance to the top 15 in the IBF, WBO and WBC rankings, meaning he would be eligible to fight for the world title.
In a fighting game where many fighters are more concerned with protecting a perfect record, it is refreshing to see these two undefeated fighters willing to risk everything to advance.
Huni had a successful amateur career, but has not fought since his victory over Gallen in June last year.
The 23-year-old was part of the Tokyo Olympic team, only to retire after a hand injury suffered while training for his fight against Gallen.
Goodall has said that “this is a bit of a fight to make or die,” while Huni promoter Dean Longeran believes a loss would be a setback for the loser.
“It’s a massive blow for either (losing),” Lonergan said.
“There’s a long way back for the loser, a long way back.”
But Gallen disagreed, arguing that a defeat will not hurt the loser’s career and the Australian boxers must be willing to face tough fights and risk a loss in their record.
“This is the problem with Australian boxing,” the former Cronulla Sharks legend told news.com.au.
“Everyone is too scared to put themselves to the test, so you’re usually going to fight at night knowing who will win.
“This is something I’ve tried not to do. Everyone I’ve fought for has been a professional athlete or has had more fighting experience than me. Look at my last four or five fights against (Kris) Terzievski, (Lucas) Browne, Mark Hunt and Huni.
“You want to put yourself to the test and if you lose, you lose. You don’t want to lose, you prepare to not lose. But it’s better to put yourself to the test and try than just fight someone you know you will win.”
Considered Australia’s biggest heavyweight fight since the 1908 showdown that saw Jack Johnson defeat Tommy Burns to become world champion, both Huni and Goodall’s teams believe their fighter will win. in a stop in the sixth round.
Gallen, who is weighing his options after a losing streak to Kris Terzievski last month, praised the two fighters for agreeing to play a close match and said he should move to Australian boxing more often.
“I take my hat off to these two guys for fighting like this at this stage of their career,” he said.
“Huni has had five fights, Joe only had eight. I think what they’re doing is great. I think that’s what people should do for Australian boxing because that’s an interesting fight.
“It’s interesting that everyone sees it and people will see it for it.
“If Joe Goodall goes and fights with someone that no one has heard of, who will see it? No one will see.
“I think that’s the kind of fight that Australian boxing should have and I’m taking my hat off to it. And whoever loses, I don’t think it will affect his career at all.”
Gallen believes Goodall has the power to secure a knockout victory in the first rounds, but predicts a Huni victory if the fight goes far.
“I’m looking forward to the fight,” he said.
“I did some training with Goodall in preparation for (Gallen’s fight with) Huni, and obviously I fought Huni and I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a fight.
“After facing Goodall, he went to America or England and spent months and months there. Apparently he now has a very good shot, which is the bread and butter of all good fighters.
“Apparently that’s what he’s worked on and would have picked up some tricks from the craft and also training with guys like Tyson Fury and that.
“I think if Goodall can knock him out in the first two or three rounds, Goodall can win. But I think if he does, I think Huni will be too skilled, too fast and gain points.
“They both have the ability to win. I think Huni has more speed, more skill.”
Justis Huni vs. Joe Goodall: When to start and how to watch it
Boxing action kicks off at 6pm AEST on Wednesday with live coverage on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports channel 505.
The main card, available through the main event and Kayo Sports for $ 59.95 PPV, is scheduled to start at 7pm and Huni vs Goodall is expected to start after 10pm.
Main card (from 19:00 AEST)
Justis Huni vs. Joseph Goodall: 10 rounds for IBF Pan Pacific heavyweight vacancies, Eastern OMB and WBC Australasian vacancies.
Ernesto Espana vs Andrei Mikhailovich: 10 rounds for IBF Pan Pacific and WBO middleweight world titles
Shamal Ram Anuj vs. Luke Boyd: 10 rounds for the AMB Oceania Super Rooster title
Gretel De Paz vs. Taylah Robertson: Six Rounds in Women’s Super Flyweight
Francis Waitai vs. Jack Gipp: Six rounds in super middleweight
Thomas Wilkins vs. Hone Huni: Four rounds in super middleweight
Undercard (from 18:00 AEST)
Marvin Feterika vs Toese Vousiutu – four rounds in heavyweight
Louis Marsters vs. Austin Aokuso: Four rounds in cruising weight
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