Former All Black to enter boxing ring

Messam among those on multi-fight bill

Liam Meesam is swapping a rugby field for a boxing ring next month. The former All Black will be fighting at the Crowded House Bar and Eatery Fight Night at TSB Stadium.

Promoter Sam Rapira says Messam has been training hard.

“He’s well-known and I know it will be exciting for people to see a big star in the ring right here in New Plymouth. While I’m still organising his opponent, I just know it’s going to be an epic night and well worth the money.”

New Plymouth’s Louis “Duffels” Des Forges will also be in the ring.

“He’s a local man and has won all his fights by knockouts so he will be well worth the watch. He’s an up-andcoming star.”

Te Kapotai “Te Taniwha” Tohu will make his professional debut.

“Amateur fighting is a whole different kettle of fish compared to a professional bout but I believe in him.”

Sam Rapira is no stranger to the boxing ring, spending time as a professional boxer himself. During his five-year career starting in 2013, he won a number of overseas and national titles.

Once retired, he wanted to continue to raise the profile of boxing in Taranaki.

People may see someone they know in the ring, with 10 corporate fights organised for the evening.

“These are by far the most wellexperienced corporate fighters I’ve had since running boxing events. We’ve had to postpone the event numerous times due to Covid-19 so our fighters have had over a year to train, and are fizzing to get in the ring.”

Those who are watching have the chance to get their hands on some boxing gloves signed by Joseph Parker and Tyson Fury.

The gloves and other items will be auctioned off on the night to raise funds for Box Office Boxing, owned by Sam and his brother, Jacob.

He says the night is going to be a sellout and encourages people to get in quick to buy tickets.