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Paul Gallen has kept his undefeated boxing record intact with a unanimous points decision over Kiwi UFC legend Mark Hunt.
Anyone who thought that the NRL heavyweight showdown with Hunt, 46, was a boxing trick should have been in the ring Wednesday night.
The pair traded fierce body shots over six epic rounds at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Australia, and all three judges handed Gallen the fight somewhat surprisingly: 58-56, 58-56 and 59-55.
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Paul Gallen scored a unanimous points decision over Kiwi combat sports veteran Mark Hunt.
But the former NSW State of Origin captain and Prime Minister-winning Cronulla NRL had to do everything he could to keep Hunt at bay.
The mixed martial arts superstar, who had his first boxing match in 20 years, was not expected to go the distance.
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But he did, prompting Gallen to use all his trademark stamina to get the nod from the judges.
“He hit me in the second round. I don’t know what. He shook me for a second,” Gallen said.
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The super Samoan couldn’t deliver the coup de grace to Gallen.
“But I’m so fit right now, I’ve trained so hard.”
Gallen landed two quick punches to skirt the first round before Hunt responded with a heavy punch in the second.
The Super Samoan had Gallen literally pinned on the ropes, but couldn’t deliver the knockout blow.
Upping the ante, the pair exchanged a series of heavy punches in the third and fourth rounds with Hunt leaving Gallen reeling with a massive left hook.
The former Sharks captain showed incredible courage to continue, especially after Hunt opened him above the left eye in the fifth round.
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The Gallen and Hunt fight took place alongside a fight between Tim Tszyu and Kiwi Bowyn Morgan.
Gallen said before the fight that he didn’t know how much more his body could give.
But, jubilant after improving his record to 10 wins and a draw, he quickly called out UFC middleweight superstar Robert Whittaker as his next target.
“I saw you about a year ago in an interview (when) they asked you if you would fight me,” Gallen said of his Australian compatriot.
“He said: Yes, I would fight him but he wouldn’t fight me” and he gave a condescending laugh.
“I’m here and happy to meet you here, but stop putting a price on it.”
