A visibly weathered Paul Gallen made a frightening admission moments after beating Justin Hodges in his boxing farewell.
The rugby league legend said after his unanimous-points win over Hodges in Sydney on Wednesday night that, although his passion for throwing fists in the ring hadn’t waned, he was afraid of a brutal blow to the head forcing him into retirement.
“I’d love to keep doing this — I really would. I enjoyed that, it was fun,” Gallen told Main Event in the ring.
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“But you’ve got to face the facts that we get old, we slow down … I can’t do what I did 12 months ago. I can’t train as hard, I can’t spar as hard and I can’t fight as hard.
“So, what’s the only way out for me? The only way out is if someone ever jumps in here and someone ices me out cold. I don’t deserve that. I don’t deserve that from someone 15 years younger than me.
“So I think it’s time to pull the pin.”
Even Hodges had admitted before the fight that, given the undisputed gulf in fitness between the NRL greats, he could only beat Gallen with a stoppage.
Gallen dealt with Hodges’ advantage in power wisely, repeatedly using his left hand and arm to jab and defend.
He’d received a terrifying taste of Hodges’ might in their clash in Brisbane in September, crashing to the canvas when his former State of Origin foe rocked him in the second round.
Testament to his staggering toughness, he bounced back up and won by TKO in the round that followed.
“I’m just glad it’s all over. I’ve had enough,” Gallen said after Wednesday night’s rematch.
“I’m 41, turning 42. I just can feel in sparring, in my training I’ve just slowed down.
“With all respect to Hodgo, I think 12 months ago I probably, maybe win a bit more convincingly.
“But everyone slows down in life and I think it’s hit me now.”
Despite another build-up peppered with animosity, there were no signs of hatred following the bout at the International Convention Centre.
They shared a lengthy embrace and agreed to reminisce over a drink.
“We’ve got great respect for each other,” Gallen said.
“I was just saying, ‘Well done’.
“He’s a warrior. He was a great rugby league player, a star.
“We played a lot of footy together, won a lot of Test matches together.
“We’ve just got a lot of respect for each other, and I’m sure we’ll have a drink tonight, eh, Hodgo? We’ll be friends again.”
Without a hint of hesitation, Hodges gave Gallen a thumbs-up.
And a cheers was sure to follow.
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