The wait is almost over.
Paul Gallen has formally signed on to fight Sonny Bill Williams
Speaking to Wide World of Sports on Wednesday, Gallen confirmed he had signed the contract and returned it to Stan Sport.
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Paul Gallen captioned the video: “Almost there, sign the contract @sonnybillwilliams”. @paulgallen13 via Instagram
“I’m just looking forward to this finally happening,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of talk for a long time.”
It remains uncertain if Williams has signed his copy of the contract to formalise the fight.
In a video posted to Gallen’s Instagram account on Wednesday night, the former Sharks captain can be seen signing the contract before delivering a jibe to his bitter enemy.
“There it is, guys — [the] signed contract for me to fight Sonny Bill Williams,” Gallen says.
“Let’s just hope Sonny doesn’t forget how to spell his name, he signs his copy, and he stops trying to postpone like he has the last three or four years.
“Let’s get it done, big boy.”
On Tuesday, Gallen announced on Nine’s 100% Footy that the fight was in the pipeline after agreeing to a demand from Williams.
He said that the particulars would be sorted “this week” after months of arguing and more than a decade of back-and-forth negotiations.
Gallen wanted 10 traditional three-minute rounds but has had to relent and agree to eight two-minute rounds after Williams refused.
Gallen also stated the fight is likely to happen after this year’s State of Origin series.
It is understood that a guaranteed $1 million each is on the table for the two footy greats.
Neither man has entered the ring in more than two years.
Gallen hung up his gloves following consecutive wins over Justin Hodges in late 2022, just weeks before Williams’ career was ended after he was stunned by former UFC star Mark Hunt for his first loss.
The 43-year-old Gallen has made upwards of $25 million from his 18 professional fights against superior opponents.
He holds a 15-2-1 record with eight knockouts that includes some fights against bona fide high-profile fighters.
Williams’ boxing career is much more underwhelming, with a 9-1 record with four knockouts. However, the All Blacks dual international is four years younger than Gallen and has maintained his fitness.
