'It'll be the last professional sports thing you ever do': Footy player Paul Gallen vows to end John Hopoate's career ahead of their boxing match
- NRL hardman Paul Gallen has issued a warning to John Hopoate ahead of fight
- Cronulla captain Gallen, 37, will take on Hopoate, 44, in Sydney next month
- In a video filmed by Andrew Fifita, Gallen promised to end Hopoate's career
Rugby league hardman Paul Gallen has issued a warning to notorious bum-poking rival John Hopoate ahead of their boxing match.
Cronulla Sharks captain Gallen, 37, will take on 44-year-old Hopoate at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on February 8.
In a video filmed by Sharks teammate Andrew Fifita, a merry Gallen told Hopoate he would end his sporting career during their fight.
Rugby league hardman Paul Gallen (right) has issued a warning to notorious bum-poking rival John Hopoate ahead of their boxing match
In a video filmed by Sharks teammate Andrew Fifita, a merry Gallen told Hopoate he would end his sporting career during their fight
'Hoppa I promise you one thing - it’ll be the last professional sports thing you ever do,' Gallen said in the footage, which was later posted to social media.
'He's coming for ya, he's coming for ya... Hopoate,' Fifita added.
At the announcement of their fight in December, Hopoate took a verbal swing at Gallen.
'I'm here to win. I'm going to put Gal (Gallen) into retirement with his coach, they can sit with each other on the sidelines,' Hopoate said.
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Gallen was previously labelled a 'coward' by Hopoate for initially knocking back the fight.
'He talks up a big show, he accepted the fight and now they're telling me he won't sign the contract,' Hopoate told the Sunday Telegraph.
'Either sign the contract or retire from boxing.
'He knows what's happening if he jumps in the ring with me, that he's getting knocked out, and that's why he's running scared and won't sign.'
At the announcement of their fight in December, Hopoate (left) took a verbal swing at Gallen
Gallen (pictured with wife Anne) had previously nudged All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams to pick up the gloves for a fight
Hopoate, who hasn't fought in eight years, has a 12-5 record, while Gallen has an 8-0 victorious log after making his competitive debut in 2014.
He has not fought since reigning victorious over Puna Rasaubale in 2017.
Gallen had previously nudged All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams to pick up the gloves for a fight.
After seemingly reaching a deal in 2017, negotiations broke down and a challenge was not accepted.
Gallen, who has had a lengthy and successful career with the Sharks, confessed to taking prohibited substances in 2011 and was handed a one-year suspension, which was backdated to 2013.
Hopoate made headlines in 2001 in a match against North Queensland Cowboys.
Representing the Wests Tigers at the time, Hopoate inserted his finger in three players' bottoms to throw them off their game.
He was referred to the judiciary and claimed he was simply trying to wedgie his opponents.
Gallen was previously labelled a 'coward' by Hopoate for initially knocking back the fight
