Gallen ‘sick of’ ex NRL opponent using him to make a fortune

Paul Gallen says he’s “sick” of No Limit constantly using his name to drum up interest for their fight cards, adding that if the Rose brothers want to set up a clash with Nelson Asofa Solomona “it’s gonna cost them a lot of money”.

The former Storm enforcer hammered George Burgess in the third round on Wednesday, bringing his record to 3-0. Inevitably, the talk turned to what’s next for NAS, and without much surprise Gallen’s name was mentioned.

Reports had been swirling of a potential clash with Gallen for the entire lead-up to the Burgess fight, with claims No Limit had reached out to the former Sharks skipper, who reportedly requested a $1 million purse.

Speaking to nine.com.au, Gallen said it’s just another case of No Limit capitalising on his name to sell their shows.

The ex-NSW star revealed the prominent Aussie promoters have called him monthly, trying to convince him to return for one more fight against NAS.

“What’s starting to annoy me about No Limit is, every time there’s a fight card on, my name gets mentioned every time,” Gallen said.

“So they can pay me if they want me to come back. And they can pay me for all the publicity I’ve created for them in the last six months.

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“They gotta remember I’m the bloke that helped them get started. I think a little bit of respect would go somewhere.

“They know if they can’t come up with the money, I’m done. Leave me alone.

“Until they come up with an offer in writing, there’s no point even talking about it.

“It’s creating hype and publicity for him and Nelson. Every single fight card it’s doing absolutely nothing for me.

“I’m just getting over it. He wins last night, and I’m the first name mentioned.”

Gallen emphasised that it’s not just about the money. He told Nine.com.au that he wants “his normal fee” and for No Limit “to do the right thing, and they know what I mean by that.”

Approaching his mid-forties, the former NRL star said he must consult several parties before he makes a decision — a process that would start only once a dollar figure was agreed.

“I’ve got to talk to my people to see if I’m allowed to do it. For starters, my boss at Nine, my wife, my trainer,” he said.

“There’s no point speculating about this until they come up with the money.”

No Limit is a family affair, with CEO ex NRL star George Rose in business with his brothers Matt and Trent.

“I get on good with Matt Rose. George is the one who keeps mentioning me a fair bit,” Gallen said.

“I’ll be 45 by the time they want the fight. It obviously makes me laugh.”

The 2016 premiership-winning NRL captain also pointed to the opponents Asofa-Solomona has fought in comparison with his own boxing career.

Gallen built legitimacy in the ring when he started fighting professionally by challenging several career boxers, and fought for the Australian title more than once. Asofa-Solomona has only taken footy fights.

“NAS has retired from rugby league to take up boxing. He’s fought three retired footy players, almost 40, who’ve had about two fights between them.

“Now he wants to fight a 44-45 year old retired footy player. And people want to compare him to what I did,” Gallen scoffed.

“Go and have a look at my first five, six, seven fights. Herman Ene-Purcell twice. Randall Rayment, Ryan Carr-Ketu, John Hopoate, former Australian champion. Kris Terzievski, Justis Huni, Mark Hunt.

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“Unfortunately the general population wouldn’t have a clue who some of those names are. But in boxing they do.

“I’m not saying he should be fighting Huni or Terzievski in his first five fights. I’m not saying that one bit.

“But there’s a difference between fighting blokes who have never had any boxing experience in their life whatsoever, and fighting guys who’ve had some experience, maybe five to 10 amateur fights, one or two pro fights.

“There’s a big, big difference, and everyone in boxing understands that.

“There’s footy players who want to get in and have a crack and good on them. I’m an ex-footy player too. I take my hat off. I’m not trying to knock that.

“But when NAS retired from rugby league to become a boxer, all he’s fought are retired footy players, who are almost 40 years of age.

“And now I’ll be 45 and he wants to fight me. It makes me laugh.”

However, Gallen wanted to make one thing clear.

“I’m not the one chasing this fight,” he said.

“They are chasing me, and I’ve told them a figure that will cost to get me out of retirement.

“And if that figure comes, if there’s an in-writing offer, then I will go to my people and have a discussion as to what I should do.

“And it’s not just on, it’s not just give me the figure and I’ll do it. I’ve got a lot to consider. I’m 45 years old.”