MEET Junior Paulo’s secret weapon — UFC trainer Justin Fitzgerald.

Paulo has been learning to fight under the boxing trainer of UFC star Rob Whittaker since July ahead of his professional boxing debut against heavy hitter and premiership winning Cronulla captain Paul Gallen.

The Canberra giant will step into the ring on December 9 at the Hordern Pavilion in a professional three, two minute round heavyweight blockbuster.

While Paulo heads into the fight as the rookie, the big man is feeling confident and that’s largely thanks to his coaching.

“He’s been doing some great work with me even throughout the year while I was still playing,” Paulo told foxsports.com.au.

“Now we’re able to get a fulltime regime happening, it’s working well.

Raiders prop Junior Paulo sparring ahead of his first pro bout against Paul Gallen. Source: News Corp Australia

“It’s the third week of getting into it and I’m trying to learn as much as I can.

“Obviously Gal’s a very experienced fighter in the ring so I’ve got to be able to get as much knowledge as I can from my trainer.”

The bout, which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, will be Gallen’s fifth but Paulo’s first at any level.

Gallen is undefeated with three of his wins by knockout.

It’s a daunting task but one Paulo is looking forward to.

In fact, he expects to find it therapeutic.

“He has a lot more experience than me and has been successful in all fights,” Paulo said of Gallen.

Paul Gallen back in the ring. Source: News Corp Australia

“I’m not really daunted. I’m more excited than anything. Not many people will get the opportunity to jump into the ring and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“To be able to release stress legally will be pretty good.

“I’m going to come in as the underdog and you’ve got to wear it and roll with the punches and in the ring you have to stop the punches so as long as I can do that, I’ll be all right.”

Since the Raiders bowed out of the preliminary final following a two point loss to Melbourne which would have seen Paulo face Gallen’s Sharks, the forward hasn’t been resting on his laurels.

Tipping the scales in season at 125 kilos, the 22-year-old has the weight advantage over 104 kilo Gallen who is 12 years his elder.

Junior Paulo sparring ahead of his first pro bout against Paul Gallen. Source: News Corp Australia

The Raiders don’t return to training until November 21 but Paulo has been keeping up his fitness by training with his former Parramatta teammates and even Sonny Bill Williams.

“It’s not every day you come across a player of his calibre,” he said of bumping into SBW at the gym.

“I didn’t talk to (Sonny) about the fight. Not many people knew I was getting in the ring with Gal and I’m sure I’ll be getting texts about why I’m doing it.

“I’ve been doing a few session of F45 with the boys in Parramatta which has been helping me. Gal’s a fit player on the field and in the ring so I’ve got to get as fit as I can.”

Holiday fun time done ✔️ Now time to get back on the grind 💯 @f45northparramatta A photo posted by Juunnneeezz (@juniorp93) on Oct 17, 2016 at 5:03pm PDT

Williams is the man Gallen has been pushing to fight for several years now but first he’ll need to get through Paulo.

“I’ve never had an amateur fight,” Paulo admitted.

“I’ve put my hand up to fight and everyone will be in it to win it. He’ll be looking to build to that Sonny Bill fight and I’m looking to stop Gal going that next step.

“No one’s done it before so hopefully I can get a chance.”

The evening will help raise funds for charities Livin and FSHD with tickets for the fight going on sale next week through Ticketek.

This writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan

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