UFC legend Mark Hunt threatens to put NRL ace Paul Gallen 'to sleep' ahead of boxing fight as rivals trade verbal blows

MARK HUNT has vowed to put Paul Gallen 'to sleep' when they meet in the boxing ring.

The UFC legend, 46, will lock horns with the rugby league great, 39, at the Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday.

The pair did not not hold back as their war of words continued at the pre-fight press conference.

Hunt, who ended his UFC career with a record of 13-14-1, plans to brutally knockout his rival.

He said: "This is fighting. I don't know where he gets his ideas. He's talking s*** again.

"I'll put your a*** to sleep, that's what's going to happen. This is not footy.

"I'm going to fix you, man. I'm going to fix you good."

Gallen, who has a boxing record of 9-0-1 including five knockouts, claimed Hunt is already making excuses.

He said: "Making excuses already – you haven't fought for three years, haven't boxed for 20 years.

"I've got no excuses. I'm going to step into the ring, I'm prepared.

"You're just setting those little traps in case you get beat. I'll win comfortably."

Gallen claimed he is planning on sending Hunt into retirement once and for all.

The former New South Wales star continued: "He's the biggest name in Australian combat sports, probably for the last 20 years.

"It's a huge challenge for myself. A huge step up. I understand that.

"But I'm ready for it. I'm ready to take whatever Mark's got and give back even more.

"He should have stayed in retirement. He won't come out of it after this."

Hunt, who last fought for the UFC in 2018, claimed it was in fact Gallen that was making excuses.

He said: "I ain't the one calling injury, 'Hey Mark, I can't fight. Why? Because I'm weak a**'."

Hunt continued to impersonate Gallen as he said: "'I ain't fighting Mark, I can't fight for you, I pulled my bicep from j***ing off'."