The newly-retired Paul Gallen will face off against former AFL tough man Barry Hall in what is shaping up to be the pair's biggest fight yet.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian boxing champion Danny Green has been involved in setting up the match-up, which is set to take place in Melbourne on November 14.
The fight hasn't been finalised with neither Gallen nor Hall yet to sign a contract, but both men are willing to hop in the ring for a battle that will grab the attention of the NRL and AFL worlds.
Gallen's 19-year NRL career ended after Cronulla's upset loss at the hands of Manly at Brookvale, and the former lock has immediately shifted his focus onto the impending bout with Hall.
“At this stage, I haven’t signed the contract but if Barry wants to fight me, then let’s do it, I’m keen as,” Gallen told the Herald.
“That’s something I will jump in and do for sure, but nothing has been finalised.
“I’ve followed his [AFL] career a bit and from all reports, he was an amateur champion. It was obviously a long time ago but he’s obviously got some pedigree when it comes to boxing.
“It will be a challenge. We’ll see what happens, hopefully it comes off. It will be a big occasion for sure.”
The 38-year-old has already tasted victory in the ring and is undefeated after nine fights, with his last win against John Hopoate via a second-round KO in February.
The 42-year-old Hall was initially set for a career in boxing following his retirement from the Western Bulldogs in 2011 but chose a career in the media instead. The former full-forward was notorious for his violent style of play and many fans will be excited to see how his aggressiveness translates into boxing.
Gallen has voiced his interest in facing off against All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams in the future and hopes he can step into the ring a few more times before he walks away from the sport.
“I’ve always said I’d do a few more fights after footy,” Gallen said.
“It won’t be five or 10, it’s more likely three or four and then that will be it.”
Commonwealth Games gold medallist and his twin brother Jason are expected to be on the undercard for the fight. The brothers are two of Australia's most exciting boxers and are both in contention for world title fights.
Hopefully Hall smashes Gal’s face in.
He is finished and he still gets his ugly m u g on this site
Get over it Kev the sook. Gal walked out on Parra 19yrs ago because like Penriff, they overlook many players. Parra most times dont know a good player like they could in the late 70’s
Onya Gal. Continuing to issue the challenges & not backing down. Just an all round Aussie sporting legend. Hopefully Hall accepts the challenge.
Gallen vs Sonny bill is the only fight to make, it will be the first time in my life that I hope Gallen wins haha
Sic em Gal.