'Got to give me his blood': Mark Hunt says Paul Gallen still has to earn his respect as a legitimate fighter

UFC great Mark Hunt says the only way Paul Gallen will earn his respect as a legitimate fighter is if he beats him next week in their heavyweight bout.

The former MMA knockout artists will make his long-awaited return to the squared circle after 20 years to fight NRL great and Cronulla Sharks icon Gallen in a six-round showdown at Bankwest Stadium.

The card marks a huge revival in interest in Australian boxing, with Tim Tszyu's super welterweight fight against Bowyn Morgan headlining the event.

While the purists may turn their nose up at a former footy player and MMA star doing the dance in the ring, even the harshest critics can't deny the new life cross-code fights have brought to the Australian fight scene.

Gallen has been at the forefront of that movement, working his way through a host of former rugby league stars, AFL talent and professional fighters to boot. But according to Hunt, the G-Train still can't command the respect of a professional fighter – yet.

"A fighter has got to earn their respect by going hard," Hunt said in Sydney on Thursday.

"None of this running around, tip-tap s--t, this is the fight business, this is the hurt business. If he wants it, he's got to come and take it from me. He's got to beat me (to earn my respect). He's got to give me his blood.

"He can take some punishment, he's a footy player, an NRL player. He's a legend of footy and I respect him on that field. But on this field, you've got to earn it. You've got to earn the respect. It's not given."

While this will arguably be Gallen's toughest test to date, a lot is also on the line for 'The Super Samoan'.

Having last fought in 2018 and without a win in nearly four years, Hunt's legacy as one of the baddest men in the fight game is in desperate need of a shot in the arm.

Another loss, against a former footy player turned boxer turned commentator, could well be the nail in the coffin for the Samoan's reputation.

Despite the implications of a loss, Hunt is more than confident he'll dictate the fight on his terms and in trademark fashion.

"He's not going to make six rounds," Hunt said.

"Gal is a heavyweight, he's fought a lot of guys, big power. But boxing isn't about big power. It's about timing and precision.

"He called me out five years ago, and that's why we're here. We sat down with Matty Rose, we made a good deal and now we're here ready to rumble. I'm looking forward to ending training camp and feeling that rush of adrenaline walking out getting ready to fight. It's amazing, best feeling ever."