Mark Hunt says he and Paul Gallen will "have a beer afterwards" but insists he'll have no hesitation in knocking the NRL Premiership-winner out in their Sydney Super Fight on December 16.
In a card co-headlined by undefeated boxing sensation Tim Tszyu, UFC icon Hunt will go toe-to-toe with Gallen after months of back and fourth.
The two outspoken Aussie sports stars have exchanged their fair share of words following Gallen's cross-code bout against AFL hard man Barry Hall back in November.
And ever since that questionable draw, Gallen has made it no secret of the fact that the former K-1 World Grand Prix champion is in his sights next.
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Well, now it seems we may finally have a fight on our hands.
It's understood the highly-anticipated event will be held at the brand spanking new Bankwest Stadium with the hope of housing a live crowd too.
But while the duo remain household names among general sports fanatics in Australia, Hunt insists his vast experience in the octagon and ring (not footy field) will be too much for Gallen to handle on the night.
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"For 20 years I have been punching people in the face, some of the top guys in the world," Hunt said.
"I haven't been tackling people. I've been punching people.
"Most of the guys I've lost against are cheaters.
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"I'd probably say I'd put him away within the six but he's a pretty fit guy. We'll see how it goes."
After a successful stint in PRIDE, Hunt was quickly snapped up by the UFC and had 18 fights in the promotion across eight years.
The New Zealand-born heavy-hitter hasn't competed inside an octagon, ring or anywhere for that matter for almost two years.
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But at 46 years old, he is now ready to make a comeback - this time with 12-ounce gloves on.
"I don't think there's going to be a storm to weather," Hunt said.
"I'm sure there will but that's the thing with punching power, it's the last thing to go. Your fitness may go but a bloke like him can punch but I've got to be on my game right until that bell rings in the sixth round.
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"I'm going to get hit at some stage. How hard and clean he gets me remains to be seen.
"To jump in the ring with someone like Mark Hunt is going to be exciting. But to beat him and have my hand help up is going to rank highly.
"I'm confident I can win. I'm really confident. I won't be able to hurt him, look at him but I'll win on points."
Hunt last boxed professionally back in 2000 against Australian Joe Askew at the Wyong RSL Club.
Featured Image Credit: UFC, InstagramTopics: Tim Tszyu, News, Paul Gallen, Boxing, Mark Hunt, UFC, Australia, MMA
