Australian boxing great Jeff Fenech has admitted he "won't be surprised" if former NRL star Paul Gallen upsets Olympic medal hopeful Justis Huni when the pair go head-to-head next month.
Gallen (11-0-1, 6 KOs) will touch gloves with Huni (3-0, 3 KOs) on June 16 at Sydney's International Convention Centre, which for the soon-to-be Olympian will be the second of two fights in just three weeks as he gets ready for the Tokyo Games.
The upcoming bout is expected to be Gallen's toughest fight to date, as he looks to continue his recent run of form that includes wins over UFC legend Mark Hunt former WBA heavyweight champion Lucas Browne.
But after Gallen defeated Browne via TKO in the opening round of their bout, Fenech, a boxing Hall of Famer who won world titles across three weight divisions, says he expects the NRL great to hand Huni his toughest fight yet.
"Gallen has put boxing back in the headlines for the right reasons and we thank you," Fenech said on Tuesday at a fight press conference.
"He has a huge test this time because Justis is one of most skillful guys I've seen, but I also had lots of those thoughts thinking Lucas could do certain things and Gallen stopped him in round one by his sheer willpower and mental toughness.
"It's going to be a tough fight for Justis, it will be a tough night. I'm sure they will be both be prepared.
"I can't wait to see what happens. I wouldn't be surprised If I'm surprised again."
After hearing the comments made by Fenech, Gallen revealed the Australian boxing great approached him prior to his fight with Browne to discuss his "concerns" for the former Cronulla Shark.
"Me and Jeff have a relationship, he knows me and he does care for me a little bit," Gallen said.
"He did come to me about the Lucas Browne fight and was concerned.
"He spoke to me openly and a little bit concerned and I said, 'Jeff, I will be Ok.' I surprised him there.
"I know deep down he thinks Justis will win but I'm here as he said to surprise him and everyone again.
"I train my backside off, I work hard, I get in the ring mentally prepared.
"I haven't faced someone like Justis before, I agree with that. I haven't faced someone with his speed and talent, I agree with that.
"But he hasn't someone like me, I promise you that. I've been a professional athlete for over 20 years.
"There's a reason I've been a professional athlete for over 20 years and that's because of the preparation I do. When I get in there I will be 100 per cent prepared."
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