Paul Gallen and Barry Hall sign for footy code clash
AFTER years of temptation, former AFL star and premiership player Barry Hall will make his professional debut.
The 42-year-old, best known for his footballing pursuits with St Kilda, Sydney Swans and later the Western Bulldogs, will face unbeaten heavyweight and fellow footy convert Paul Gallen in Melbourne on November 15th.
Gallen (9-0, 5 KOs), who is yet to taste defeat in five years as a professional boxer, will risk his hard-fought reputation as a pugilist against Hall, in a fight that looks destined to attract mainstream media attention.
The recently retired rugby league icon has successfully managed dual sporting professions with impressive ease, halting former Australian heavyweight titleholder John Hopoate in his last outing in February.
The pair are set to face the media in Melbourne on Wednesday morning to confirm their clash, which is expected to feature several of Australia’s leading talents, including a presumed double billing featuring Andrew Moloney and Jason Moloney.
Having touched down in Melbourne on Tuesday night, the twin brothers teased an announcement on their social media, with both on the cusp of world title opportunities.
Hall was originally slated to make his professional debut in 2012 against former bouncer Ben Wrotniak, before a change of heart scuppered a potential marquee event.
The story was originally reported by The Age on Tuesday night.
Photos: Provided
