“I’ve never really worried about concussion or its after-effects on me,” Gallen said. “I knew what I was in for when I started football and boxing as well. They are not sports for everyone at the professional level. And they come with risks.
“I only decided to get tested because my wife suggested it. I was one of the lucky ones – I was never knocked out playing footy but obviously you get bumps along the way and in training. I think I suffered three concussions, at least to some degree, in boxing. The worst was some headaches after the [Justis] Huni fight.
“I spent two days getting tested by the people who tested Kalyn Ponga in Newcastle. It was completely comprehensive and the result was good for me. I’m not boasting or sitting here saying I’m in the clear for the rest of my life.
“But the way it’s been explained to me is that I’m the same chance of having dementia or an issue like that as someone who has not played any kind of contact sport. That’s about as good a result as I could have hoped for.
“There is certainly some fears out there but after countless tackles, runs and some heavy duty stuff in the boxing ring I’m happy to say not everyone who does play contact sports ends up in a bad way.”
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