Former New South Wales rugby league captain turned boxer Paul Gallen alleges Sonny Bill Williams is dodging him, even turning down a multi-million dollar offer to step into the ring with him next year.
Williams, 36, returned to the ring earlier this year after a five-year absence, defeating Waikato Falefehi in June, while Gallen has impressed in his late career turn as a boxer since retiring from the NRL at the end of 2019.
As two of rugby league's most recognisable faces of the modern era, a boxing match up against Williams has been on Gallen's wishlist for years. And with both now retired from rugby league, speculation persists as to whether Williams and Gallen will meet in the ring.
But fresh from defeating Darcy Lussick in Sydney last week, Gallen claims that Williams is dodging a prospective bout, and even turned down a seven figure sum for two fights in 2022.
"Unless it happens in the middle of next year, it won't happen," Gallen tells Australian outlet Main Event.
"We were offered $4 million each to fight twice next year, and it's not happening. Why? That's unheard of money. It's ridiculous. We're not doing it, the ball's in his court.
"I've said for years, 'Let's do it', but there's going to come a time where I say, 'No more". And bet your bottom dollar that's when he says, 'Let's do it'."
Williams is unbeaten in his eight professional fights, while Gallen boasts a record of 12 wins, one draw and one defeat.
The former New South Wales and Cronulla Sharks skipper also says that he'll retire from boxing by the end of 2022, by which time he'll be 41.
