Paul Gallen has continued a successful foray into boxing, beating fellow-rugby league forward Bodene Thompson by unanimous decision in Auckland.
New South Wales State of Origin captain Gallen notched his sixth win - his fourth as a professional - in a performance which tested his determination and conditioning over four rounds on Tuesday.
"I knew it was going to be tough," Gallen said.
"People said I was the favourite and I probably was but he's tough as nails. I knew it wasn't going to be a knockout. I'm not that experienced and he's too tough."
Warriors second-rower Thompson, whose previous experience in the ring consisted of one charity bout in 2011, burst out of the blocks to smother the shorter Gallen with a barrage of wild shots.
Thompson's southpaw style proved awkward to handle early on but Gallen was able to adjust before finding his rhythm late in the second round.
Gallen, 34, stunned his opponent with two good right hands in the third round although a gash opened up above his eye soon afterwards as Thompson landed some desperate overhand shots.
Gallen was happy his boxing training would put him in good stead for another NRL season and even hinted at another fight despite previously stating that he may not enter the ring again until his rugby league career is over.
"It's only going to happen in the pre-season for me. Once January arrives I'm back into footy."
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