Fans and pundits are expressing their concern for Paul Gallen after the 45-year-old was knocked out in ‘horrific’ scenes on Friday night. The former State of Origin hero copped a flurry of uppercuts from ex-Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona in the first round of their heavyweight bout, and announced after the fight he won’t be boxing ever again.
Questions have emerged about whether the referee should have stopped the fight sooner, and whether Asofa-Solomona might have been disqualified for continuing to hit Gallen when he was slumped against the ropes. But the more pressing concern is revolving around Gallen and his health.
There were concerns for the 45-year-old coming up against a 30-year-old opponent who only stopped playing NRL last year. Asofa-Solomona also had a 30kg weight advantage, and the mismatch showed from the very start.
Gallen was back on his feet after staying down for several minutes, but looked very groggy and sore in the aftermath of the fight as he chatted to his son Kody. Former Cronulla Sharks teammate Michel Ennis said on the Main Event broadcast: “I was scared mate, to be honest, at the back end. I’m just happy to see him there with Kody and his team and back up and about. Tough to watch.”
Commentator Dan Ginnane admitted he was “relieved” that it means Gallen will stop boxing. “I always had the feeling he needs something like this, a devastating knockout, to finally put him out of his misery,” Ginnane said.
“And I say that with positivity because he’s up and about, he’s speaking to his boy. It must be tough for a son to watch as well. I kind of feel relieved for him that this really is going to be the end.”
Nelson Asofa-Solomona celebrates his victory over Paul Gallen. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Journalist Peter Badel added: “Sometimes he’s too tough for his own good, Gal. He went out on his shield in a sickening way tonight. He should be so proud of what he’s done over 20 years of professional sport.
“All our hearts go out to him and his family. I was always worried about Gal fighting at age 45. I just hope he comes out of this OK. What we saw tonight made me sick at times.”
Paul Gallen returned to boxing for family
Speaking before the fight, Gallen admitted his wife “wasn’t happy” about his return to the ring. However he said he was doing it to provide for his family.
“She’s not happy at all,” Gallen told AAP. “But it’s my job as a bloke. It’s my role in the relationship. I provide for my family. I’m going to give my family a life I never had and that’s my sole motivation. That’s what I’m here for – to look after them and that’s what I’m going to do.”
On Saturday morning he confirmed he won’t be boxing ever again. “Father Time is undefeated and that’s it for me,” he said in a video posted to social media.
“Everything is fine, no issues. I’m home now, safe and sound, that’s the most important thing – we get to home to our families safe and sound.
“I’m fine, fit and healthy and life goes on. Thanks to everyone in boxing, I’ve had a wonderful time in boxing over the past 10-15 years. Boxing has been wonderful to me and I really appreciate it.”