Barry Hall and Paul Gallen’s footy fight night ends in a draw – and the AFL-mad crowd aren’t happy about the result
Paul Gallen and Barry Hall have sensationally tied after the two legends of their respective sports faced off in their much anticipated ‘Code War’ bout.
The trainer of AFL great Hall, 42, defiantly said before the bout his fighter would box the ‘head off’ his NRL legend opponent Gallen, 38, in Melbourne on Friday night.
But the reality was a lot less decisive as Gallen’s pace offset the elder’s size throughout the fight.
A combination of boos mixed with sounds of disbelief echoed through the Margaret Court Arena after judges decide the two had matched each other toe-for-toe.
The fight drew high-profile spectators, with Shane Warne, Melbourne underworld figure Mick Gatto, and former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke all in attendance.
Michael Clarke Gallen was the favourite to win tonight at $1.57 compared to debutante Hall at $2.37.
It was revealed earlier on Friday the winner of tonight’s fight between Paul Gallen and Barry Hall expected to next face cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams.
Paul Gallen (left) and Barry Hall face off as promoter Danny Green looks on during an official weigh-in at Crown Riverwalk in Melbourne
Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser phoned fight promoter Danny Green on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of him fighting the winner, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Williams, who is on a $10million two-season deal with Canadian rugby league team Toronto Wolfpack, has boxed since he was young and last entered the ring in 2015 when he beat American-New Zealand boxer Chauncy Welliver.
His English Super League contract allows him to continue boxing in a bid to extend his 7-0 win record.
Williams, who is on a $10million two-season deal with Canadian rugby league team Toronto Wolfpack, has boxed since he was young. He is pictured in 2013 during his fight against Francois Botha