EXCLUSIVE: How Sonny Bill will spend his $1 million fight fee, plus all you need to know about huge boxing night

The Sonny Bill Williams vs Paul Gallen bout is intensely personal and emotionally charged as more than a decade of trash talk comes to a head in the ring on Wednesday night.

But while the desire for boxing bragging rights is an intense motivator, the fight would not be taking place without a lucrative pay day for both men.

The two footy greats will both pocket around $1m for lacing them up at Qudos Bank Arena as a 50-50 financial split was finally settled after years of spiteful negotiations.

Sonny Bill Willams vs Paul Gallen at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on July 16 is available to order live and exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70

Gallen in particular has been open about being motivated by money while Wide World of Sports asked Williams what he would do with his windfall.

"Each year we give a bit to charity," the father of five said.

"So that will be no different. I like to fly business, but I could fly economy at the back as well. That's just how I was raised. So for me it's about trying to set up my children and my children's children - give themselves a better start to life."

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Williams grew up in modest surroundings in South Auckland before exploding onto the NRL stage as a teenager with the Bulldogs.

"They still have to grind, they've still got to work," he said of his kids, Imaan, Aisha, Zaid, Essa and Mohammed.

"They've still got to have morals and decency, but I guess having a little bit of financial freedom helps them on their path."

WHAT THEY SAID ON FIGHT EVE...

Paul Gallen: "Let's settle the score. Who cares what's happened in the past, I'm trained to fight. I've been here for one reason – to have a go. I've never been concerned about legacy. Even at my age, I've got no doubt I can beat him."

Sonny Bill Williams: "The one thing I've always said is, I may not be the best boxer but I know I can beat this guy. Wednesday night, it's on. I'm laser-focused, and I know that if I'm focused, I'll show how limited this guy is. He's been at the top of his game for a long time, but so have I."

Danny Green: "It's going to be intense when the bell goes. These boys both really want to win. Sitting next to these blokes, I'm even more excited. I can see how attuned they are to what they want to do – and they want to knock each other out. I can't wait to sit ringside and watch these two belt each other."

LIVE UPDATES: Sonny Bill Williams vs Paul Gallen

WHO IS ON THE UNDERCARD?

The fifth fight of the night is a title clash between Kris Terzievski and Troy Pilcher.

Pilcher will be competing for the WBA Oceania Bridgerweight and WBC Continental Bridgerweight titles against Melbourne's Terzievski.

Pilcher replaced Tyson Pedro on the card after the ex-UFC star pulled out.

"I've only had five weeks to get ready for this, so I've put myself through a lot of pain in that time," Pilcher said.

"I've pushed forward and put the pressure on. I'm ready to go. Tune in, it's going to be good."

Terzievski is one of only two men to beat Gallen, winning on points in 2022.

"I've really put myself through the ringer in this training camp. I've had time to evolve, I'm excited. It's going to be a massive show," the big southpaw said.

Also on the card is Kiwi star David Nyika (10‑1), who returns after his first pro defeat to world champion Jai Opetaia earlier this year.

The Olympic and Commonwealth medallist is out to reassert himself with another power packed performance against fellow New Zealander, Nik 'The Greek' Charalampous.

"This has not been an easy camp for me," Nyika said.

"Psychologically, coming back from a loss - I really expected to be a world champion right now. But we sidestep to move forward, and this is an epic card."

The opening fight of the night features undefeated teenage heavyweight Alex Leapai Jr (4‑0‑1).

The former NRL prospect is following in the footsteps of his father, Alex Leapai, who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight world title in 2014.

Leapai Jr was held to a draw in his last fight against Tim Tusa in February.

"Wednesday I'm looking to make a statement. I'm looking to get back onto the winning side," Leapai Jr said.

Rahim Mundine, the son of boxing royalty Anthony, will take on Fiji's Joe Vatusaqata in the second fight of the night.

Williams vs Gallen will be preceded by a light heavyweight clash between Clay Waterman and Mose Auimatagi Jr while big boppers Kane Baker and Johan Linde square off in a heavyweight fight.

Both Baker and Linde have sparred with Gallen and are tipping him to win. Linde has fought Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.

HOW CAN I WATCH AND WHAT DOES IT COST?

Sonny Bill Willams vs Paul Gallen at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on July 16 is available to order live and exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70.

THE TALE OF THE TAPE...

Sonny Bill Williams

Born: 3 August 1985 (age 39)

Auckland, New Zealand

Height 191 cm

Weight 108 kg

Record: 9-1 (4KO)

Former NZPBA heavyweight champion, two-time Rugby World Cup winner, two-time NRL Premiership winner, Super Rugby champion, 2016 Olympian with the New Zealand sevens team.

Paul Gallen

Born: 14 August 1981 (age 43)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Height: 180 cm

Weight: 102 kg

Record 15-2-1 (8KO)

2016 NRL premiership winner with the Sharks, captain of NSW State of Origin team, Rugby League World Cup winner in 2013 with the Kangaroos, three-time Dally M lock of the year, sixth on NRL all-time appearance list (348 games).

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

As of Wednesday at 5.30pm, Sportsbet had Williams listed as a $1.92 favourite with Gallen shortening to $2.10 and a draw paying $11.50.