John Hopoate is coming to New Zealand but don't panic - he'll be wearing boxing gloves.
The Herald understands the former rugby league bad boy turned boxer will defend his Australian heavyweight title against countryman Kali Meehan on the undercard of October's Tua-Cameron bill.
Infamous for his one-fingered tackling technique
and numerous other indiscretions as a league player, Hopoate's boxing career has followed a similar roller-coaster path.
After a 6-0 start he suffered two straight defeats, including being KO'd in 90 seconds by former kick-boxing champion Ben Edwards. In May he was knocked out in two rounds by ageing former champion Oliver McCall but he has also picked up some notable wins, including two over Bob Mirovic - also a victim of Shane Cameron.
While Hopoate is certain to have at least car-crash appeal in New Zealand, his battle for Australian bragging rights with the veteran Meehan should expand the promotion's appeal across the Tasman.
Meehan, a 39-year-old Fijian-Australian, has some quality opponents on his CV, although he was stopped in short order by both Hasim Rahman and Danny Williams.
Former world champion Rahman has also been touted to appear on the undercard, although no opponent has yet been confirmed.
"Rahman is still in the mix and still an option that is being given careful consideration," promoter David Higgins of Duco Events said.
Ticket sales for the October 3 event at Hamilton's Mystery Creek have been strong, with over 3000 general admission tickets and 100 corporate tables already sold.
Higgins was quick to dispel any lingering doubts about Cameron's surgically repaired hand, insisting there would be no more delays to the event originally scheduled for June.
"Shane has got his full repertoire. He is probably a week or two away from throwing his big right hand with full power into the heavy bag."
Cameron, who suffered a treble fracture to his right hand during his victory over Robert Davis in Gisborne in March, confirmed his recovery was progressing well.
"I'm hitting pretty hard on the pads now, it is the top two inches I suppose," he said.
"I don't wake up in the middle of the night thinking, 'Shit, my hand'. You deal with injuries throughout you whole career. I definitely know by fight time it is going to be right.
"I want this fight to happen. I could still beat him with one hand."
