Former AFL star on Tua-Cameron bill

Former Aussies rules star Barry Hall could make his much anticipated boxing debut on the undercard of the October 3 heavyweight contest between Kiwi sluggers David Tua and Shane Cameron.

The Sun-Herald has been told by a source close to the promoter a contract has been drawn up for the former AFL star, who left the Swans last month. The offer is for him to follow the entry of controversial Kiwi rugby player Sonny Bill Williams into the fight game by boxing in a charity bout

While his background as an AFL star would have little impact on Kiwi sports fans, the promoters are keen to headline Hall in an attempt to gain greater pay-per-view sales in Australia.

After years of being considered the bad boy of AFL, they are well aware of the interest Hall’s ring debut would generate throughout Australia. It was understood they would offered him 5 per cent of all Australian pay per view sales.

That is expected to be worth at least $100,000.

Former NRL star John Hopoate, the reigning Australian heavyweight champion, has also been targeted to fight on the bill, but he would certainly not be matched against Hall who, as a teenager, boxed in amateur ranks.

World title contender Danny Green, who has been advising Hall on a possible boxing career, told The Sun-Herald he had not heard anything about an offer for Hall to fight in New Zealand.

‘‘That’s news to me,’’ said Green. ‘‘And I have no reason to say otherwise.’’

Hall did not return The Sun-Herald’s calls.

The Tua-Cameron stoush, to be staged at Mystery Creek at Hamilton, is being hailed as the biggest boxing event ever held in New Zealand, and if he does strap on the gloves, Hall will enjoy a world title-type debut.

Bonnie Pointer of the famed Pointer Sisters, and who sang at the famed 1974 Rumble in the Jungle between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali in Africa, will sing at the fight. Colonel Bob Sheridan, considered the world’s leading boxing commentator, will travel from Las Vegas to call the fights, while Temuera Morrison, who starred in Once Were Warriors, will be MC.

Hall was expected to travel to America next week to watch as Green prepares to fight for the IBO cruiserweight world title on August 15.

- © Fairfax NZ News