Silver Ferns netball great Irene Van Dyk will take to the boxing ring for the first time at December's Fight For Life charity event at the Claudelands Arena in Hamilton.
She says it's a challenge she's been after for some time.
"Every time [I suggested it] my husband [Christie] anddaughter Bianca would say 'the time is not right' but after retiring [from netball] and finishing without such a good year this year, I needed something that would push me outside my comfort zone. This definitely will.
"Christie got in touch with Burger King Fight For Life and put my name forward. I'm doing it thinking of people who fight for their lives every day [for designated charity Hospice Waikato]. This is my little bit to help them live their lives to the full.
"I've never fought with anyone physically, and never punched anyone in the face. I'm not condoning anyone getting out there in the school playground to fight at lunchtimes. This is a controlled environment and this is about the cause."
No opponent has yet been confirmed for the 43-year-old, 1.9m shooter.
Van Dyk's 'most wanted' candidate will be selected by September 29 and must: - be under 45 years old. - never have boxed before. - post a call-out video on Facebook. - attempt to fight three round of two minutes' duration.
Irene van Dyk at the Fight For Life announcement. Photo / Andrew Alderson
The organisers, Duco Events, will get the final say on Van Dyk's opponent. Preferences will be given to the strongest social media campaign.
She won two Commonwealth Games gold medals with the Silver Ferns and a World Netball Championship in 2003.
Proceeds from this year's Fight For Life will go to Hospice Waikato, $100,000 was raised for them at last year's event.
Irene Van Dyk Age: 43 Height: 1.9m Netball tests: 217 - 72 for South Africa, 145 for New Zealand International debut: 1994 for South Africa Final test: 2014 for New Zealand 5917 goals from 6572 shots Accolades: Commonwealth gold (2006, 20100, World championship gold (2003)
