A late replacement after Josh Aloiai contracted COVID-19, the 32-year-old former NRL prop has a 39-second knockout of Justin Hodges to his name in his only professional fight.

Gallen (11-1) is far more experienced in the ring, his impressive run only halted by Australian heavyweight champion and world title prospect Justis Huni in June.

And the former Cronulla and NSW captain could smell blood in the water at Monday's press conference, the softly-spoken Lussick acting as a verbal punching bag ahead of their bout at Sydney's Star Event Centre.

"I think he's s***ting himself; I think he realises now that he's in for a fight and knows it's a good pay day and I thank him for jumping in the ring with me," Gallen said.

"But he's going to earn it.

"I'll be coming mate, from the bell. I'll be getting him early.

"I can hear it in your voice; you're a good guy, nothing personal, but I have to smash you.

"I have to hurt you and I'm going to."

Lussick would still be carving out a lucrative career with the Toronto Wolfpack had the club not suddenly folded just weeks after earning promotion to the English Super League, citing COVID-19-related financial challenges, last year.

He's now among a host of players still owed money from the failed bid and instead hopeful of earning a living in the ring.

The former Manly and Parramatta prop was working on a building site when he got the call to face Gallen.

On Monday he barely bit at Gallen's best taunts but did say he doesn't expect the fight, reduced from six to three two-minute rounds, to go the distance.

"Come and get me; I'm not scared, I'm looking forward to getting in there," he said.

"I've done absolutely everything I can to be ready.

"We both have to get in there and fight ... I'm not really worried about what he says and I'm sure he's not worried about what I say."

Promoter George Rose promised a $20,000 bonus to the knockout of the night across the five fights, Lussick promising it to coach Sean Fitzpatrick's Southside Boxing.

Harry Garside will do his best to collect that in his professional debut after claiming Olympic bronze - Australia's first Games boxing medal in 33 years - in Tokyo.

The lightweight will fight Fijian southpaw Sachin Mudaliar, who boasts a 9-1 record including a split decision defeat of Ben Dencio to claim the vacant ANBF super feather title two years ago.

FULL FIGHT CARD:

* Paul Gallen v Darcy Lussick

* Harry Garside v Sachin Mudaliar

* Joey Leilua v Chris Heighington

* Justin Hodges v Nathan Ross

* Freddy Lussick v Taylan May

Australian Associated Press