Last month we had the NFL’s version of Fight Club as Andre Johnson was fed up with Cortland Finnigan mocking him having no hair and took retribution into his own hands. This is obviously not the first time sport has become an arena for the more amusing acts of pugilism in the history of the activity, and certainly won’t be the last. It’s rare that you see players from team sports making the move over to boxing though
Enter New Zealand rugby player Sonny Bill Williams. The rugby union has previous form after he switched codes from league to union recently, but a move from union to boxing isn’t such a recognized move. New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have given the player permission to take part in his third professional bout on 29 January in Australia, and will expect him to start the season with his club the Crusaders.
“It was agreed with Sonny Bill as part of his contract with the NZRU that he would be able to undertake professional boxing fights and we are comfortable with the timing of this event,” said NZRU’s Neil Sorensen.
Wouldn’t it be interesting to see what their policy on knock-outs and proceeds from fights might be? Never know, in future you might see him playing on the field on a Friday night, before boxing in Vegas on the Saturday.
Whilst you’re eagerly awaiting the clash at the end of January, here’s an example of what happens when boxing and rugby mix:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLk_LCzWFuU
