Footy legend Paul Gallen made $25million from boxing – more than he’d earn in 30 years in the NRL

NRL star turned boxer Paul Gallen has given fellow convert Sonny Bill Williams a good reason to keep boxing, with the former Sharks and New South Wales star claiming to have made $25 million from the sport.

Gallen takes on State of Origin rival Justin Hodges in Sydney on Wednesday night in what will likely be his last professional fight.

Gallen and Justin Hodges pose for photos at the Aware Super Theater ahead of their Wednesday night fight

Gallen ropes Hodges during the Origin Rumble fight at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena

Meanwhile, Williams’ boxing career is at a crossroads after he was dismantled by former UFC star Mark Hunt earlier this month.

There has long been hope that Gallen and Williams would meet in the ring, but the former Cronulla skipper said that is now impossible.

But as Gallen’s career comes to an end, he said Williams needs to make money while he still can.

The Maroons’ Justin Hodges being tackled by Blues captain Paul Gallen during game three of the 2012 State of Origin series

“There’s certainly plenty of money to be made,” Gallen said.

“I just don’t know if Sonny wants to do it. But if I were Sonny, I wouldn’t stop.

“That man is 37. And look what happened to me from about the same age.

“I’ve made $25 million in the past three years. That is a lot of money.

“So $25 million in three years… no, I wouldn’t leave if I were Sonny.”

Gallen’s staggering earnings in recent years have made his rugby league salary packages look miniscule by comparison.

If you assume that Gallen is paid $650,000 annually to play for an NRL club, including third-party deals, plus $30,000 for three State of Origin matches and $25,000 for an average of four Tests with the Kangaroos per year, then it would be annual income $840,000 is pre-tax.

But while the lure of the almighty dollar is there, Gallen said there’s no chance to fight Williams now.

“I will never fight Sonny Bill, I say that now, even if they guaranteed $5 million in my bank account before the fight, because he would also make $5 million,” Gallen told News Corp.

‘He’s had his chance. We should have fought twice in the last few years. The ego and arrogance on their part is on a level I don’t want to be involved with.

Sonny Bill Williams and Mark Hunt trade punches during the heavyweight bout at Aware Super Theater

‘No Limit don’t want to be involved with them, No Limit is the biggest and best promoter in Australia and they don’t want to be involved with them? What does that say?

“That fight will never happen, I’m not going to talk nonsense about Sonny. I was asked if Sonny should fight again, yes, Sonny is 37, he still has plenty in him.

“Look what I’ve done in the last three years, raised $25 million. He could do the same, make millions. But I’ll never fight Sonny Bill.”

Meanwhile, Williams fans can take heart from the fact that the Kiwi has returned to the ring for training following his loss to Hunt.

‘Alhamdullilah for all the blessings in my life. Without experiencing the lows, you don’t fully appreciate the highs. Seki [so good] to be back in the square office,” he posted on Instagram this week.