'Brutal stuff': Boxing fans rage over 'appalling' Paul Gallen farce
Paul Gallen may have won over the hearts of many critics with his toughness in a 10 round beating at the hands of Justis Huni, but fans have also taken aim at how the beatdown was allowed to continue.
Huni ended Gallen's undefeated professional boxing record to retain his Australian heavyweight title in spectacular fashion.
WOW: Startling footage emerges before Justus Huni-Paul Gallen fight
'WHAT THE HELL': Ref slammed over 'atrocious' snapped arm call
The Australian heavyweight champion punished Gallen in nearly all 10 rounds with the former NRL star out on his feet at points.
Gallen even tackled Huni in desperation late in the 10th round in an attempt to stay in the fight.
But it was clear very early on that Huni was too quick, powerful and technical for Gallen's pressure tactics.
While many have praised Gallen for his toughness to last 10 rounds against the Aussie champ, others have called the decision to allow the beatdown to continue as an 'appalling' decision.
At points, Gallen was clinging on to Huni just to avoid the enormous body blows and heavy right hands.
Gallen even had his hands down by his side late in the fight after taking thunderous body shots.
This prompted many to call out the referee following claims he should have stopped the bout earlier.
Others also called out Gallen and claimed he was too brave for his own good as a self-proclaimed 'prize fighter'.
My goodness Gallen is tough but this is unnecessary punishment. Referee should have stopped it four times by now.
— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) June 16, 2021
Huni wins via 10th round stoppage. Ridiculous it was allowed to go that long. Impressive performance by Huni. So far from a finished product and he’s in a class above all
— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) June 16, 2021
They need to think about stopping this. Gallen getting tagged far too much. #GallenHuni
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) June 16, 2021
Well overdue stoppage. Gallen took more punishment than he should have.
— Dan Attias (@Dan_Attias) June 16, 2021
That was a very good stoppage from the official. Gallen shot for a single leg takedown while rocked then got put on skis and dropped afterwards. Gallen is tough as nails. These athletes often need to be saved from themselves. The referee accomplished that there. #GallenHuni
— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) June 16, 2021
Final punch Gallen appears to slip on advertising in centre ring, as Huni lands big right hand. Ref could’ve waved it off multiple times before that however #GallenHuni
— Corbin Middlemas (@CorbinMiddlemas) June 16, 2021
Gallen is a pitiful boxer. Brain damage is real. He took a ridiculous and stupid beating. The ref should have stopped it - as a terrible mismatch after 3 or 4. The whole event was a disgrace to Australian boxing.
— Taco and a Pork Chop (@BenjaminDonks4) June 16, 2021
Yeah it was absolutely shocking. Most of the fights were completely mismatched the reffing was appalling. It's part of the reason I always remember why I hate watching boxing. Give me UFC and MMA any day.
— Miss Genie (@MissIgraine) June 16, 2021
With a rematch clause in the contract, Gallen raised the idea of triggering the move for a fight down the line.
However, many felt he should take his reported $1.1 million and stop fighting.
Take the 💰 & run Gallen. Brutal stuff. His poor wife.
— Dominique Loudon (@dloudon9) June 16, 2021
Gallen tackles Huni in desperation
The former NRL star did provide a hilarious moment during the bout.
Gallen was doing everything possible to stay standing against a brutal Huni onslaught in the 10th round.
This even involved digging deep and going back to his NRL days.
After taking a bombardment, Gallen appeared to stumble and held onto Huni.
He then wrapped his hands around the 106kg giant and tackled him to the ground.
The move prompted a cheer and also outrage from the crowd as Huni was seeking the stoppage.
However, the fight was rightfully stopped only moments later.
Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.