All Black Liam Messam is training fellow Commonwealth Games Sevens gold medallist Roger Randle in the buildup to his charity boxing debut in Hastings next month.
Former All Black and Magpies rugby winger Roger Randle, who is now Waikato-based, will take on Hawks basketball coach and former Tall Black and Breakersguard Paul Henare in the headline bout of the Battle for Life charity event in the Hastings Sports Centre on August 27.
The event is aimed at promoting diabetes awareness and is a fundraiser to support local diabetics in their battle to fight a disease which has reached epidemic status according to event creator Patrick O'Brien.
"I am not a fighter, but I'll give it a go for charity," said Randle whose training consists of weights, running and boxing specific work-outs with Messam.
The Randle-Henare match up although exciting poses an awkward situation for O'Brien, as he has had a long-time association with both fighters.
When asked who would win the bout O'Brien replied: "Roger used to live down the road from me, we are both Flaxmere boys but I'm also training Paul so I can't set him up to fail."
"To be honest I don't want to see either fighter get too hurt," said O'Brien.
Although fence sitting O'Brien agreed the involvement of Randle and Henare raised the profile of the event which he hoped would increase fundraising to support those in need.
"The Battle For Life 2011 event will definitely provide hard-hitting, action-packed entertainment and will be a great night out for an even greater cause," O'Brien added.
