Fans call out SBW over sad post-fight act as Paul Gallen dragged into 'bizarre' scenes
Williams started the stronger of the two having showcased his reach and superior jab to rough up Gallen's face. However, despite only being two minute rounds, Gallen took advantage of a fatiguing Williams who got a point deducted in the seventh round for repeatedly holding the former Sharks captain in the clinch.
The fight turned into a scrappy bout as Williams clinched and his point deduction ultimately cost him with two judges scoring it 77-74 and 76-75 in favour of Gallen. While a third had New Zealander Williams winning 77-74.
And the controversy started as soon as the cards were read out. Williams was clearly fuming with the decision and stormed out of the ring. While many agreed with the New Zealander that he won, his decision to leave came as a big disappointment for many in attendance and watching at home considering they would have liked to see him speak.
Fans paid plenty of money to attend the event at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, but Williams' swift exit without an interview in the ring left fans wanting more. He also declined to attend the post-fight media conference.
Fans felt it wasn't a good look after all the bad blood that had clouded the bout, which should have happened years ago when both fighters were closer to their prime. The bout drew plenty of criticism with Williams' tactics being questioned with plenty of clinching making for an ugly spectacle. While others felt Williams should have remained in the ring after the defeat.
SBW's constant clinching was bizarre. He could've won the fight without it. Bro was straight up hitting double under hooks like it was an MMA fight at times. Probably lucky not to have another point deducted tbh. #SBWvGallen
— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) July 16, 2025
SBW leaves the ring without an interview like he's off to France 🤣#SBWvGallen
— GazDog 🇦🇺 (@TheGazDog) July 16, 2025
Enjoyed that, Gal's body shots were heavy! #SBWvGallen
— Gavin Wilson... (@GavWilson) July 16, 2025
I must have watched a different fight #SBWvGallen
— LH654 (@LH654110) July 16, 2025
How good - let's see how humble SBW is in defeat. Didn't take him long to exit the ring - big heart wins again
— Darrell Sessions (@sesho17) July 16, 2025
SBW left ring no interview surprise lol
— Alan (@LastracePikey) July 16, 2025
SBW walks out again……!!! #sbwvsgallen
— Wandering_dog ✋🏽😎 (@wander_bdog) July 16, 2025
Paul Gallen reveals exchange with SBW
Gallen reacted with shock when the scorecards were read out having believed he clearly won the fight. Despite his shock at the judging, he revealed Williams wanted to bury the animosity and meet-up after the show is done.
"I definitely lost one round, I think the second round and there was one other pretty close one and he got a point taken off, so how the hell is he winning (on one judge's card)?" Gallen said. "I got the win. That's all that matters and it will be there forever.
"I'm 44 years old in less than a month's time. Sonny just came upon to me and said he wants to have a coffee man-to-man and I'm on for that. I've finished my fights, I'm getting on with my life.
In a surprise admission, Gallen said he had Covid only a few weeks out from the bout and was just happy with the victory. "I'm not going to gloat, it's been a long time coming. I got the job done and that's all that matters," he added.
The 43-year-old appears done with boxing as he turns his attention back to his commentary role for Channel Nine. Fans are still waiting to hear from Williams who did not address the media having appeared extremely disappointed with the split-decision loss.
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