Australian champion Justis Huni defeats Paul Gallen via tenth round stoppage

Justis Huni surprised many with his power by dominating Paul Gallen with a tenth round TKO in Sydney tonight but the former NRL star won plenty of fans.

Huni landed several heavy body shots early and pressured from the inside and outside hurting Gallen at will. The former NRL star was in trouble throughout the fight, getting rocked in the first round and in the latter part of the bout but he just kept coming.

Such was the ferocity of Huni's strikes to the body he broke the former Sharks skipper's ribs in the second round according to Gallen.

In the final three minutes Gallen did everything he could to hang on and grabbed at Huni's legs in a tackle that would have been right at home on the footy field. But when both fighters returned to their feet Huni went to town and dropped the 39-year-old.

Gallen got up from the canvas and wanted to continue, but referee John Cauchi waved the fight off.

"A big shout out to Gal," Huni said post-fight. "He's an awesome competitor very tough very strong.

"Thank you to him for putting up an awesome challenge. He's definitely built different. You're a legend mate. He made it tricky for me in the build up with his words but we don't let that get to us. We come here and we do what we need to do."

While he was dominated from beginning to end - Gallen said he just wanted to get through the fight but it wasn't to be.

"I want to win. I'm as competitive person there is. By the sixth or seventh round I knew I wasn't going to win it I just wanted to finish it.

"While he knocked me down fair and square I thought the referee stopped it early but I was never going to win the fight. I think he broke me rib in about the second round. I just couldn't get off every time I moved it kept clicking.

"He was too fast and probably punched a little bit harder than I thought he was going to punch as well. I just wanted to get through the fight but he was too good tonight. I wish him the best."

When asked if he would take up a rematch with Huni after the Olympics, Gallen said:

"I'm not against it. I think I had a really good preparation. It was a short one but I got fit the fittest I've ever been going into this fight."

Gallen also had one final piece of advice for the Aussie champ.

"Justis you're a terrific fighter but you've got to start selling fights brother if you want to make some cash and make a living out of this you've got to sell fights.

"I'm happy to teach you but maybe after the next fight though."

It's all over!

Huni lands a nice shot and Gallen goes down. He looks buggered. He gets up and the referee stops it.

How tough is this guy. Hats off to him.

Huni keeps jabbing and lands the right hand - he's been looking for it.

Huni needs to land more right hands and he's doing that.

Jeff Fenech says the fact Huni can't hurt Gallen is a sad reflection on the Australian heavyweight champ.

"He's hit Gal with so many punches but he's still there."

Fenech said Huni has missed too many opportunities with the right hand - reckons it should have been over rounds ago.

But Huni almost drops him with a body shot late in the round but Gallen just holds on.

Fenech urges Gallen's team to stop the fight - "he can't win - they should stop it."

Huni claims that one.

Gallen is fit and won't go away - he's been hurt and keeps working hard.

Huni landing more body shots - Gallen trying to work with an overhand right. He's still trying hard and punching hard.

He won't give up even though he's copped a bit of a hiding.

"To get through these eight rounds it's a win for Paul Gallen. It's unbelievable. He's so tough." - Jeff Fenech

He's earnt the $1 million + tonight.

Huni's round

Huni just missing the knockout blow according to legend Jeff Fenech on the broadcast.

He's throwing some bombs but Gallen is moving at the right time.

Lightning shots from Huni in the final minutes of the round.

His counterpunching has been outstanding.

If Gallen can stay the course it's a win in itself. He's shown plenty of guts.

A bit of drama with tape on Huni's glove - he was warned about it earlier from the ref. Not the first time.

Huni dominates again.

Huni now waiting in the corner for Gallen - but then comes out and fights close landing more to the body.

Gallen grimaces and tries to stay tight and now Huni goes at him at range - he's digging in now and sapping his strength with huge shots.

Gallen's hands are down - he's in a lot of pain. Huni's body shots are landing handsomely. Huni is stalking him now. This should have been over ages ago - don't know how much he can take of this.

Late rounds coming up - Gallen said he wanted to strike now but lets see if he has anything left. It's doubtful

Huni's round.

Gallen lands a nice left hook - he tries it again but Huni is awake to it.

Gallen lands a nice right hand and Huni is going in close trying to fight rough with him. You can tell Huni is using this fight as prep for the Olympics. He's changing up his stuff constantly. Fighting from distance then up close.

Gallen lands a big shot to the body - he's looking refreshed but Huni is still dominating the centre of the ring and is controlling the tempo of the fight.

Gallen wears more big shots late - but hats off to him he keeps on coming even though he knows he's going to cop it.

Huni's round again.

Huni growing in confidence - the body shots have cut Gallen's energy. His hands are down now - he's toying with Gallen.

His combinations are looking crisp. Gallen landed a sneaky right hand in the clinch but Huni is picking him off whenever he wants.

Huni continues to go to the body with success - Gallen only knows one way and rides with the punches as much as he can late in the round.

Dominant round from Huni - Gallen is tough but lets see how long it lasts. Whether Huni wants the rounds or not that's the question.

Round for Huni