SBW v GALLEN - JULY 16
BIGGEST BOXING EVENT OF THE YEAR ROCKED BY CONTROVERSY AS PAUL GALLEN NO-SHOW AT PRESS CONFERENCE
THE BIGGEST BOXING EVENT OF THE YEAR
LIVE & EXCLUSIVE ON STAN PAY-PER-VIEW
WEDNESDAY 16 JULY
QUDOS BANK ARENA, SYDNEY
SONNY BILL WILLIAMS V PAUL GALLEN
TYSON PEDRO V KRIS TERZIEVSKI
DAVID NYIKA
ALEX LEAPAI JNR
May 20 2025 – The time for talk is over. Stan today confirmed that Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen – one of the most anticipated showdowns in Australian boxing – will headline the biggest fight night of the year on Wednesday 16 July at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, with all the action available to order and watch Live & Exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View.
However, in a shock controversial move, minutes before the press conference was due to begin at Liberty Hall Entertainment Quarter, Paul Gallen took to Instagram to announce that he had decided to forfeit his attendance at the press conference.
In a blatant act of defiance engineered to further ignite the decade-long feud between the fighters, Gallen stated: “I apologise if you feel like I’ve let you down… but this is about wasting Sonny’s time. Everything is always about Sonny. Sonny gets what Sonny wants. You’ve wasted my time the past 10 years. July 16 we’ll get it done. I hope you train hard…I’ve still got enough left in me to beat you. I’ll see you soon, champion.”
In response, Sonny Bill Williams said: “When it comes to the past 10 years, he’s always attacked my character...I’ve earned the right to be here...I’m going to smash his face. He’s there to be hit and he’s going to get hit.”
Joining Sonny Bill on stage today was boxing legend Danny Green: “This is the beauty of boxing. Anything can happen. I don’t think Paul Gallen is afraid of anyone, he’s a very hard, tough, rugged individual. I think there’s real hatred, and by the time the bell goes, we’re going to see a fight that captures the world’s attention.”
Paul Gallen’s rebellion builds anticipation for the long-awaited grudge match between him and fierce rival Sonny Bill Williams – two NRL premiership winners turned serious boxing contenders. A decade in the making, SBW v Gallen is already fueled by tension, talk and a rivalry that will dominate headlines and divide fans.
On Wednesday 16 July, two of Australia’s most formidable sporting figures will finally settle the score. More than just a bout, this is unfinished business.
SBW v Gallen is available to order now in Australia for $70 on Stan Pay-Per-View.
General admission tickets go on sale May 28 via Ticketek, with ringside hospitality packages available now via VIP Now.
PRESS CONFERENCE IMAGES & VNR CAN BE FOUND HERE.
Stan Director of Sport, Ben Kimber said: “If today’s press conference is anything to go by, Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen is going to be an explosive, unmissable event. The culmination of years of build‑up, two of Australia’s most formidable athletes will finally settle a long‑standing dispute live and exclusive on Stan Pay‑Per‑View. Backed by Nine’s unparalleled promotional reach, this event will capture the imagination of sports fans nationwide.
This card is more than just one blockbuster headliner. We’ve assembled a deep undercard that begins with a high‑stakes bridgerweight grudge match: Tyson Pedro v Kris Terzievski. These two have unfinished business after two cancelled bouts, and on July 16, they’ll settle the score once and for all.
Together with our presenting partner Manuka Phuel and event partners TEG Sport and Duco Events, we’re delivering what promises to be an unforgettable night for Australian sport.”
Also announced for the supercard, former UFC powerhouse Tyson Pedro (1‑0) will seek vengeance when he defends his WBC International Bridgerweight title against Melbourne’s own Kris Terzievski (13‑1‑2). Terzievski infamously withdrew on the morning of their rescheduled 2024 clash, provoking Pedro’s vow for retribution. On July 16, words will give way to war in the ring.
Pedro, fresh off his dominant Stan Sport debut in February, stopping undefeated Taimoor Khan (15‑1) - is eager to prove that his first victory was no fluke.
Tyson Pedro said: “Third time’s a charm. I’m ready to get it done. We’ve got eight weeks, let’s go.”
Kris Terzievski said: “I’ve got the same confidence that I had last year, I’m pumped, I’m ready to go. I feel like I’ve got a point to prove and I’ll be looking to do that come fight night. You best believe I’ll be doing my best to do as much damage as I can.”
Also on the card, Kiwi sensation David Nyika [10‑1] returns after his first pro defeat to world‑champion Jai Opetaia earlier this year. The former Olympic and Commonwealth medallist will be out to reassert himself with another trademark, power‑packed performance.
Alex Leapai Jr [4‑0‑1] makes his next pro outing amid rising hype. The undefeated teenage heavyweight is carving his own path - though he’s following in the footsteps of his father, Alex Leapai who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight world title in 2014. Junior is already showing he has the sheer size and the tools to reach the very top.
Fans can not only expect an epic main event bout when SBW and Gallen finally face off, but a quality card of premium boxing to round out a sensational night in Australian sport.
About Sonny Bill Williams:
A globally admired dual‑code champion, Sonny Bill Williams won NRL premierships with both the Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters and starred in two Rugby World Cup‑winning All Blacks sides. He’s since proven himself in the ring, formerly holding the NZPBA Heavyweight and WBA International Heavyweight titles.
About Paul Gallen:
A one‑club legend, Paul Gallen captained the Cronulla Sharks to their maiden NRL premiership in 2016 and ended NSW’s Origin drought in 2014. In boxing he’s been one of Australia's biggest drawcards, notching eight knockouts, including wins over MMA icon Mark Hunt and former Australian champion Lucas Browne.
SBW v Gallen at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on July 16 is available to order now on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70.
GA tickets go on sale May 28 via Ticketek. Fans can access early access tickets by signing up at TEG Sport.
Ringside Hospitality Packages are available now via VIP Now or email enquiries to info@vipnow.com.au.
For event information or talent requests, please contact:
Kathryn Browne
Head of Communications, Stan
kathryn.browne@stan.com.au
Jason Evans
Senior Publicist, Stan
jason.evans@stan.com.au
For ticketing information, please contact:
Alanna Jones
Senior Marketing Manager, TEG Sport
alanna.jones@tegsport.com.au
May 20, 2025