Cam Mooney and Tom Bellchambers face off on the weigh in.
Former AFL stars Cameron Mooney and Tom Bellchambers will come to blows on Wednesday evening as a part of No Restrict Boxing’s Melbourne card at Margaret Courtroom Area.
The all-AFL heavyweight conflict is anticipated to attract important curiosity, alongside former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker‘s bout and Australian Nikita Tszyu‘s struggle.
Since NRL nice Paul Gallen hung up his gloves final yr, Australian boxing promoters have been pushing for the subsequent soccer participant to advertise within the ring
Whereas a bunch of ex-NRL stars have solid boxing careers with various ranges of success, the AFL market has been largely untapped.
Former AFL agitator Barry Corridor made his skilled boxing debut in 2019 however was capped at solely two fights after a draw with Gallen and a heavy loss to Sonny Invoice Williams.
Since retiring in 2011, three-time premiership participant Mooney, 43, has taken up commentary duties. He’s ten years older than his opponent, 33-year-old Bellchambers, who retired from the sport in 2020.
Standing at 182cm, Bellchambers additionally considerably outweighs Mooney, however including to the intrigue, Mooney has extra boxing expertise with years of sparring underneath his belt.
The pair will meet in a heavyweight bout lasting three two-minute rounds.
Nonetheless, earlier than the struggle has even begun, consideration has already turned to the victors’ subsequent opponent with a number of different footy gamers looking forward to a possibility.
Mitch Robinson is reportedly all in favour of tempting destiny on No Restrict Boxing’s subsequent cross-code card.
A former Blue and Lion, Robinson, 33, performed 247 senior video games earlier than his abrupt retirement on the finish of final season. He now boasts a big on-line presence together with his personal YouTube channel and podcast.
The promoter additionally has a number of rugby league gamers on its books together with newly-minted NSW Origin ahead Tevita Pangai Jnr.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Matt Lodge and Siosiua Taukeiaho are additionally rumoured to be on board with a struggle evening later this yr.
In Wednesday’s co-main occasion, Tszyu (5-0, 4KO) will face Benjamin Bommber (5-0, 4 KO).
Worryingly for Tszyu, Bommber has been coaching out of Floyd Mayweather’s health club in Las Vegas and has linked up with undisputed light-weight champion Devin Haney’s group in preparation.
Parker will struggle for the commonwealth heavyweight title in opposition to Faiga Opel. The victor will develop into the primary fighter from the Pacific to say the honour.
watch?
In Australia, followers can tune in through Foxtel’s Essential Occasion or Kayo Sports activities.
When does the cardboard begin?
The primary card begins at 7pm AEST on Wednesday Might 24. The primary occasion ringwalks are scheduled for 10pm.
Full struggle card:
Joseph Parker vs Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu, 10 rounds, heavyweight
Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Bommber, 6 rounds, tremendous welterweight
Cam Mooney vs Tom Bellchambers, 3 rounds, heavyweight
Joel Taylor vs Ben Horn, 6 rounds, 68.5kg catchweight
Jayde Mitchell vs Max Reeves, 8 rounds, 78.5kg catchweight
David Nyika vs Louis Marsters, 5 rounds, cruiserweight
Campbell Somerville vs Isaias Sette, 5 rounds, tremendous welterweight
Luke Gersbeck vs Jack Moore, 5 rounds, 69.0kg catch weight