Karl Stefanovic is brutally beaten by NRL legend Paul Gallen live on the Today show ahead of the final State of Origin game
Today host Karl Stefanovic wears his Queensland pride on his sleeve.
But on Wednesday, he was beaten to a pulp by former New South Wales captain Paul Gallen ahead of third and final State of Origin game.
The TV star, 46, and the rugby league legend, 39, squared off in an inflatable boxing ring in the car park of Channel Nine headquarters.
That’s gotta hurt! On Wednesday, Karl Stefanovic was brutally beaten by NRL legend Paul Gallen live on the Today show ahead of the final State of Origin game
Before they gloved up for the novelty bout, Karl’s co-host Allison Langdon jokingly asked Paul if he was feeling intimidated by her colleague.
‘Ah… no. It will be interesting to see what happens in here,’ Paul replied.
Allison added: ‘He’s called you a loser, [Karl]. He can beat you at anything. Does that fire you up?’
‘It does,’ Karl answered. ‘He’s called me plenty of things over the years, so now is the chance to punch him in the face!’
Getting fired up: Before the novelty bout, Paul said he was not intimidated by Karl
Allison explained they had 60 seconds to get as many body blows to their opponent.
The competitors battled it out wearing soft, oversized gloves as Today newsreader Alex Cullen joined them as their referee.
Karl got a few strikes in early, then Paul managed to block him and get the upper hand.
It only took the amateur boxer one big swipe to take down the breakfast TV presenter.
Here goes: The competitors battled it out wearing soft, oversized gloves as Today newsreader Alex Cullen joined them as their referee
Done! It only took the amateur boxer one big swipe to take down the breakfast TV presenter
It was then gloves off for Paul as he pretended to punch Karl for real, as his rival giggled hysterically.
Allison yelled from the sidelines, ‘Get up, Karl, fight like a man!’, as Alex pulled Paul off him.
Afterwards the newsreader declared Paul the winner, as Karl – who is part of Nine’s State of Origin commentary team – whined that he was ‘robbed’ of the win.
Winner! The newsreader declared Paul the winner, as Karl – who is part of Nine’s State of Origin commentary team – whined that he was ‘robbed’ of the win