The decade-long rivalry between Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen reignited in North Sydney today, as the two sporting icons came face-to-face for the first time in over a year ahead of what’s shaping up to be the biggest boxing bout on Australian soil in 2025.
With just two days to go until fight night at Qudos Bank Arena, the press conference was charged with tension as Williams and Gallen traded verbal jabs and reflected on the years-long feud that has kept fans on edge.
“Let’s settle the score,” Gallen said. “Who cares what’s happened in the past, I’m trained to fight. I’ve been here for one reason – to have a go. I’ve never been concerned about legacy. Even at my age, I’ve got no doubt I can beat him.”
Williams was equally fired up. “The one thing I’ve always said is, I may not be the best boxer but I know I can beat this guy,” he said. “Wednesday night, it’s on. I’m laser-focused, and I know that if I’m focused, I’ll show how limited this guy is. He’s been at the top of his game for a long time, but so have I.”
Boxing great Danny Green, who will be ringside for the clash, added fuel to the fire. “It’s going to be intense when the bell goes. These boys both really want to win,” Green said. “I can see how attuned they are to what they want to do – and they want to knock each other out.”
The undercard is just as stacked, with a slate of rising stars and returning contenders ready to make a mark.
Kris Terzievski will defend his WBA Oceania Bridgerweight and WBC Continental Bridgerweight titles against Queensland’s Troy Pilcher, who enters the bout with only five weeks of preparation. “I’ve put myself through a lot of pain,” Pilcher admitted. “I’ve pushed forward and put the pressure on. I’m ready to go.”
Terzievski, meanwhile, is confident he’s entering the best shape of his career. “I’ve really put myself through the ringer in this training camp,” he said. “I’ve had time to evolve, I’m excited. It’s going to be a massive show.”
New Zealand’s David Nyika, an Olympic bronze medallist and former Commonwealth Games champion, returns to the ring looking to bounce back from his first professional loss — a tough bout against world champion Jai Opetaia earlier this year.
“This has not been an easy camp for me,” Nyika said. “Psychologically, coming back from a loss — I really expected to be a world champion right now. But we side-step to move forward, and this is an epic card.”
Also on the bill is heavyweight prospect Alex Leapai Jr, son of former world title challenger Alex Leapai. With a current pro record of 4‑0‑1, the 19-year-old is gaining momentum as one to watch.
“Wednesday I’m looking to make a statement,” Leapai Jr said. “I’m looking to get back onto the winning side.”
A dual-code football legend, Sonny Bill Williams is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner with the All Blacks and a former NRL premiership player with both the Bulldogs and Roosters. In the ring, he’s held the NZPBA Heavyweight and WBA International Heavyweight titles.
Paul Gallen, a one-club NRL icon with the Cronulla Sharks and a former NSW Blues captain, has transitioned to become one of Australia’s top boxing drawcards. His fight resume includes knockouts over Mark Hunt and Lucas Browne.
SBW v Gallen headlines Fight Night at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Wednesday, July 16th. The event will be available to stream live on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70.