Fenech tipping disastrous end for Galen
JEFF Fenech fears the famed chin of Cronulla premiership hero Paul Gallen has gone – or is at least now weakened enough to suffer his first KO in 23 years as a professional athlete.
In what would rate among the greatest Australian boxing upsets of recent times, Fenech is tipping Gallen to be knocked out by arch rival Justin Hodges in his hyped Sydney farewell next Wednesday night.
Despite having commentated some of the crossover star’s greatest wins – and even now, still calling Gallen “a warrior” – Fenech fears the 41-year-old has carried his career one fight too many.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, the fourtime world champion tipped Hodges, who dropped Gallen in their first fight, to now finish the job in their heavyweight rematch.
“Huge upset,” Fenech said when asked for a prediction.
“I think Gal might have taken one fight too many … and I think Justin Hodges knocks him out.”
Pushed on his shock prediction, Fenech suggested Hodges has improved his punching power significantly under trainer Adam Copland – and for proof, pointed to his dropping Gallen in their first fight, which the NSW Origin great eventually won himself via stoppage.
Asked if he thought Gallen’s famed chin was going, Fenech said: “Oh, definitely.
“And I can say that from experience. You get hit enough, get hurt … there’s nothing can help your chin …
“And Gal, he’s not getting any better. Every fight he’s losing a little bit.
“So when things happen at the right time, or the wrong time … I think it could spell disaster for Gal.”