See the photo that should make Paul Gallen VERY worried after signing on to fight Sonny Bill Williams in the footy boxing clash Australia has been dying to see for years

• Paul Gallen signs contract to fight Sonny Bill Williams 
• Blockbuster HW boxing showdown is edging closer

By JAMES COONEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

After a more than a decade of intense rivalry, the heavyweight grudge clash between Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams is just one signature away from happening – but has the Sharks legend bitten off more than he can chew?

The former footballers are set to pocket more than a million dollars in a planned  boxing showdown in 2025, with current aims for the fight to be held in a Brisbane or Sydney stadium.

On Wednesday night, 43-year-old Gallen confirmed he had signed the fight contract and returned it to Stan Sport – which will exclusively stream the bout – before taking aim at his rival.

‘There it is, guys — [the] signed contract for me to fight Sonny Bill Williams,’ Gallen said in a clip posted to Instagram.

‘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.’

Sonny Bill Williams posted this photo of himself last week, proving he’s already in peak physical condition in a worrying sign for Paul Gallen

Footy great Gallen has confirmed that he has signed the fight contract

It was revealed last month that Gallen was pushing for eight three minute rounds – standard for pro boxing – while SBW would prefer 2.5 or 2 minute rounds.

Gallen last week ended up accepting Williams’ terms.

‘This has been organised since December, we basically agreed. Then they came back and said they want two-minute rounds,’ he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

‘I legitimately thought they were joking. They’re talking about Sonny Bill Williams, a professional athlete who considers himself a worldwide superstar, and he only wants two-minute rounds. That gave me a bit of confidence.

‘Then I stopped to think about it and that’s a massive advantage to him, that’s enormous.

‘But I’ve just got to have a crack and see what happens.’

Neither man has fought in over two years – but Williams has been keeping in exceptional shape.

The cross-code superstar, who is four years younger than Gallen, regularly posts clips of himself training to social media.

Gallen, who has had the better boxing career of the pair, retired from the sport in 2022

Williams has been keeping fit but hasn’t fought since his shock knockout loss to MMA star Mark Hunt in 2022

Just last week, Williams shared photos of a trip to Europe where he included a gym photo in which he looks as fit as he’s ever been.

Williams last fought in 2022, suffering a shock knockout loss to MMA star Mark Hunt. Despite the setback, his athletic pedigree and star power make him a huge draw.

Gallen retired from the sport in 2022 after a win over Justin Hodges, but has always said he’d like to take on Williams.

The only two blemishes on Gallen’s pro record were in Australian heavyweight title bouts against Justis Huni and Kris Terzievski.

Past attempts to make the bout happen have fallen through over discussions about how the money will be split.

‘I’m just looking forward to this finally happening,’ Gallen told Wide World of Sports on Wednesday.

‘There’s been a lot of talk for a long time.’

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See the photo that should make Paul Gallen VERY worried after signing on to fight Sonny Bill Williams in the footy boxing clash Australia has been dying to see for years

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