Boxing match between Hunt and ex-rugby player almost finalized

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Mark Hunt is looking to serve ex-rugby player Paul Gallen a sample of his legendary knockout power. Mark Hunt is preparing to knuckle up against Australian rugby-player-turned-bo…

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Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Mark Hunt is looking to serve ex-rugby player Paul Gallen a sample of his legendary knockout power.

Mark Hunt is preparing to knuckle up against Australian rugby-player-turned-boxer Paul Gallen.

Hunt and Gallen had agreed in March to a boxing match before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt, a source told MMA Fighting. Gallen has also confirmed to 2GB Radio that a deal has been reached. The biggest remaining hurdles are a host city and a venue. Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand is reportedly in the running.

Hunt (13-14-1-1 in MMA/30-13 in kickboxing) has not competed professionally since fighting out his UFC contract in a losing effort to Justin Willis on Dec. 2, 2018. Gallen (9-0-1) is an undefeated boxer coming off his first career draw against Barry Hall in Nov. 2019. “Super Samoan” has only competed twice in professional boxing — once in 1998 and once in 2000. He holds a pro-boxing record of 0-1-1.

Hunt vs. Gallen is expected to take place on Oct. 30 or Oct. 31.