Paul Gallen unfazed by physical toll of boxing as he confirms his professional career is over

Paul Gallen has hung up his gloves and called it a day on his professional boxing career following a unanimous points victory over Justin Hodges.

It was a triumphant end to the former NRL legend's 21-year sporting career that spanned across rugby league and boxing.

He couldn’t land the knockout blow but outclassed his former Queensland Maroons rival and was awarded the win 60-54, 60-54, 59-55 by the three judges.

The 41-year-old paid tribute to his opponent and confirmed that he was indeed calling it quits on his boxing career.

He said: “He broke my heart plenty of times, Hodgo, so it was good to get one back at him but he's a warrior.

"He's got power. I wasn't prepared to take too many risks tonight so I just did what I needed to do, used my jab.

"But I got the win and not too many people get to go out on a victory, especially in boxing so it was good to do it tonight. I'm just glad it's all over - I've had enough. I'm 41 going on 42.

“You've got to slow down at some stage and it's hit me now so it's time to pull the pin."

Gallen kickstarted his professional boxing career in 2014 with a TKO victory against Herman Ene-Purcell.

He finished his career with an impressive record of 15 wins, two losses, and one draw.

Gallen’s only defeats came against Justis Huni and Kris Tervieski for the Australian heavyweight championship at the time.

Highlights of his career came with matchups against the likes of Barry Hall, Mark Hunt, Lucas Browne, and two fights on the same night against Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges.

Paul Gallen’s boxing career was quite phenomenal. Final record 15-2-1, headlined big time shows, gave an amazing platform to emerging fighters, fought for an Aussie title and never ever cheated the sport. Always showed up in shape & respected the craft. #GallenHodges2

— Corbin Middlemas (@CorbinMiddlemas) November 23, 2022

Paul Gallen beats Justin Hodges by UD. #GallenHodges pic.twitter.com/lJ2ffgL6dI

— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) November 23, 2022

The former Blues player says he’s unfazed about the potential physical toll the sport has potentially placed on him.

He said: “It's part of life. What can I do about it? I've played over 400 games of rugby league. I've had 15 or 20 fights.

"What's the point of worrying about it? This CT (issue), all that sort of stuff, I'm not trying to downplay it but you don't find out about it until you're dead anyway, or you don't know til you're dead.”

Gallen earlier this week claimed he had grossed over $25 million from boxing.

Paul Gallen and the world’s greatest t-shirt 😂😂 #boxing #nrl pic.twitter.com/bgiYH0qGnk

— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) November 23, 2022

Now that he no longer needs the money, he’s decided now is the right time to walk into the sunset.

He added: “I've got a wonderful family, a beautiful wife. I'm loving life. I'm in a good place financially. I don't need the money anymore so what's there to worry about?

“Whatever comes up in the future, comes up and I'll deal with it then."