ANDY SET TO BOX CLEVER
AT THE peak of his playing powers, Andy Powell had a physique not unlike a heavyweight boxer. These days, as a successful coach, the former Wales No.8 understandably isn’t quite the specimen he once was. But Powell made a career out of punching his weight – and he’ll be looking to do the same again before the summer is out when he takes part in a charity boxing bout. The ex-dual code star is on the bill of a Danny Dig Davies promotions event on August 17 at Penmaenau Farm Camping near Builth Wells, with all proceeds going to mental health charities. The evening will feature a host of local fighters on the undercard and a novel clash between
Powell and Davies, who as a former player with Builth Wells and Llandrindodd Wells, and now a coach at Rhayader, is something of a Mid-Wales rugby stalwart.
Both men have been publicising their forthcoming exploits on social media, with Powell even challenging former England star James Haskell – who retired earlier this season – to join him in the ring.
“I saw James say that when he finished playing he fancied doing some boxing, so why not,” Powell quipped. “I think there would be a few people who’d pay to see it, though I’d have to get training for a bit first!”
Powell, who guided Brecon to victory in the April final of the WRU Plate, told Wales on Sunday: “I’ve done a little bit of boxing in my time, and I’ve trained with a guy called Darren Wilson, who trained Nathan Cleverley.
“I’ve not done anything major obviously, but I am looking forward to this event that Dig has organised.
“At the end of the day it is for charity and a great cause and so I’ll give anything a go when that’s the case.
“I’d have to class myself as a heavyweight in the ring, but it’s just a bit of fun. It’s a community event and I like giving things back to the community. If it goes well I may keep doing it.”
The charitable cause will be close to Powell’s heart. In October 2016 he went public with his fight against depression which he says enveloped him towards the end of his career, when he was plagued by injuries.
He stopped playing in 2016 having finished by helping Merthyr establish themselves as a Premiership club.