Mark Hunt loses bout to league veteran

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 18 December 2020, 5:00PM

Mixed martial artist and former kickboxer of Samoan descent, Mark Richard Hunt, lost his heavy bout against former rugby league hardman Paul Gallen on Wednesday night at Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium.

According to Fox Sports, the victory takes Gallen’s unbeaten boxing record to an impressive 10-0-1 with 5 knockouts, while Hunt – some two decades after his last professional boxing fights – is winless from three attempts.

Gallen, 39 years old and seven years the junior of his opponent, weighed in almost 24 kgs lighter (103.66kg versus Hunt’s 127.14kg), advantages which proved decisive in earning a unanimous decision (58-56 x2, 59-55).

The fight was chaotic, reports Fox Sports as both boxers did not want to back down from each other, unfortunately only one can win.

The sixth found was equally as chaotic, Gallen again working the harder of two fighters and landing from close range. 

Fox Sports reports that the ex-NRL legend nearly ended up out of the ring as Hunt landed a shot on the back of the head and pushed him through the ropes, but it was deemed legal and the final bell rang shortly afterward.

Hunt, 46 will be left to rue a decision in the second round to momentarily take his foot off the pedal after landing a monster shot on Gallen. Hunt smiled and paused before closing down his rival, when he could – and should – have immediately gone in for the kill.

A day later the MMA legend was happy to admit the former Cronulla Sharks frontman earned his respect, reports Fox Sports, with a tough unanimous decision victory on Wednesday night.

According to Fox Sports, the experienced Hunt was the clear favourite heading into the bout and dished out some heavy punishment early, but Gallen was able to soak it up and outbox his rival to score the upset win.

On Thursday, Hunt took to Instagram to pay tribute to Gallen following the fight.

“Congratulations @paulgallen13 well deserved win. U have my respect,” Hunt wrote.

“Part time fighter beat my ass but I had so much fun tonight getting back into the ring.”

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 18 December 2020, 5:00PM

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