Less than a fortnight after his unanimous decision victory over Ben Hannant in Brisbane on June 29, State of Origin legend Justin Hodges is getting back into the ring.
Hodges (4-1) is a late addition to the undercard for No Limit Boxing’s Tsyzu v Horn 2.0 ‘Battle of the Brothers’ undercard.
The former Brisbane Broncos NRL captain will face social media influencer and YouTuber Jordan Simi (debut) over four rounds at Sydney’s Hordern Pavillion on Wednesday July 20.
The heavyweight said he was eager to get back in the ring after his last performance.
“I got the win against Ben but if I’m honest, I was as disappointed that he was still standing at the end…Jordan Simi won’t be as lucky.” Hodges said.
“I could’ve gone back home and sat around waiting for the Paul Gallen fight to happen but who knows with Gal and his schedule if that was going to be anytime soon.
“He’s been chasing Sonny Bill for a decade. I wasn’t going to wait around on his terms for my next shot, so I told George Rose if an opportunity came up before then I’d take it.”
Hodges will be looking to land his third KO in the professional ranks in his sixth bout.
“Admittedly, I didn’t think my next fight would be this quick but if a knockout of this YouTuber next Wednesday secures me a payday with Gal later this year, then bring it on.”
“This is a serious fight and I plan on doing serious damage to him. I hope he’s taking it seriously and not trying to pretend to be some Jake Paul wannabe chasing followers on his YouTube or whatever.
“This isn’t social media, this is the fight game and you’re going to get hurt.”
No Limit Boxing’s CEO George Rose said he was happy to oblige Justin Hodges request for another fight before potentially facing Paul Gallen.
“I have no doubt Hodgo will be calling on all of his Queensland spirit to get the knockout in Sydney on July 20, just a week after the Origin decider,” said promoter George Rose.
“There’s not too many fans that like him in New South Wales around Origin time, but Justin always takes it in his stride and gives fans the entertainment they expect.
“A convincing win here for Hodgo and I’ll probably be looking to get him and Gal to sign the contracts before they’ve left the venue on the night.
“It’s another stacked No Limit card at the Hordern Pavilion with Nikita’s fight with Ben Horn sure to be all action given the family history at stake. Don’t miss it on Fox Sports and KAYO as it's going to be a great night of action in Sydney.”
Tszyu vs Horn current fight card:
Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Horn, 6 rounds at super welterweight
Sam Goodman vs Juan Elorde, 10 rounds for WBO Oriental & IBF Inter-Continental super bantamweight titles
Ty Telford vs Ricky Colosimo 8 rounds for ANBF Australasian welterweight title
Justin Hodges vs Jordan Simi 4 rounds at heavyweight
Shanell Dargan vs Jaala Tomat 4 rounds at super featherweight
Darragh Foley vs Hunter Ioane 6 rounds at welterweight
Ashleigh Sims vs Jessica Adams 5 rounds at super featherweight
Jackson Murray vs TBA
Michael Hall vs Joel Taylor 8 rounds at super welterweight
Kate McLaren vs Connie Chan 4 rounds at welterweight
Angel Rushton vs Ange Harries 4 rounds at super featherweight
