Ofisa Tonu'u at the weigh-in for tonight's Fight For Life. Picture / Richard Robinson
Ofisa Tonu'u at the weigh-in for tonight's Fight For Life. Picture / Richard Robinson
When former All Black Ofisa Tonu'u signed up for this year's Fight For Life, he didn't expect to line up against an opponent who'd be a professional boxer two weeks later.
But that's the scenario facing Tonu'u at tonight's charity event when he faces former league star John Hopoate.
"It'sa bit daunting, to say the least, but I have a plan," Tonu'u said. "I'm not going in as a punching bag."
Though it's for charity, Hopoate said viewers were in for a competitive and entertaining fight.
"For me, it's a dress rehearsal for in two week's time, so I want to win."
This year's event is a tri-nations affair, featuring former rugby and league stars from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, including former All Black Inga Tuigamala and ex-Warrior's hardman Kevin Campion.
As well as boxing, entertainment includes bikini-clad dancing cowgirls, the Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe from China and Kurbanov's Motorcycle Foot Jugglers from Moscow.
Organiser Dean Lonergan said: "This is a major entertainment event and I hope people will enjoy it, and we'll hopefully make a lot of money for the Child Cancer Foundation."
With the event attracting a sold-out crowd of 3260 at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson, and a likely television audience of more than 500,000, Lonergan hopes to raise $500,000. TV3 coverage begins at 8.30pm.
