MEDIA RELEASE
December 12, 2012
TAB Calls Split Decision As Rival Codes ‘go the biff’
It’s rugby versus league in a clash of the codes and the TAB reckons the Fight for Life could well be a split decision.
Rugby legends face off in the boxing ring against their rugby league rivals in the Fight for Life at Trusts Arena in
Waitakere on Saturday night to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
To aid the excellent work the Foundation does in raising awareness of an important men’s health issue, the TAB will
donate $5000 to the cause, in addition to the contribution it makes to Boxing New Zealand.
With five mouth-watering rugby-versus-league bouts on the Fight for Life card, the TAB has rugby favoured to win two and
league two, while one showdown is too close to call.
TAB bookie Mark Stafford, who has been following fighters from both camps during the week, said the biff was likely to
be brutal.
“These are big, tough men who won’t take a backward step – particularly with the pride of their respective codes on the
line.”
FIGHTERCARLOS SPENCER (RUGBY)JARROD McCRACKEN (LEAGUE)HEIGHT1.84m1.91mWEIGHT100kg104kgAGE3742TAB ODDS$1.55$2.30
Staf says: “Carlos is backing up in his second Fight for Life and looks a lot sharper than last time. He has carried on his
training from the last one and also had a fight while in South Africa. I believe his experience will see a win for
rugby.”
FIGHTERERIC MURRAY (RUGBY)MANU VATUVEI (LEAGUE)HEIGHT1.95m1.89mWEIGHT98kg112kgAGE3026TAB ODDS$2.25$1.57
Staf says: “Manu couldn’t find a rugby player prepared to face him, so it’s Olympic gold medal-winning rower Eric Murray stepping
in to represent our national game. ‘The Beast’ has the power, Eric has the fitness. Over the six minutes of battle the
explosive Vatuvei should have the cannons to win this one.”
FIGHTERRENE RANGER (RUGBY)GREG BIRD (LEAGUE)HEIGHT1.85m1.84mWEIGHT101kg100kgAGE2628TAB ODDS$1.90$1.80
Staf says: “Very hard to choose a winner here. League players seem to adapt quicker to pure boxing, for some reason, and that’s why
I’m going for Bird.”
FIGHTERHIKA ELLIOTT (RUGBY)PAUL GALLEN (LEAGUE)HEIGHT1.86m1.80mWEIGHT114kg103kgAGE2631TAB ODDS$1.50$2.40
Staf says: “The NRL tough man against a former New Zealand martial arts champ. Hika is used to this playground and has a VERY hard
punch. I’ve seen him train and I’m a believer.”
FIGHTERTROY FLAVELL (RUGBY)WILLIE MASON (LEAGUE)HEIGHT1.95m1.96mWEIGHT118kg115kgAGE3632TAB ODDS$1.85$1.85
Staf says: “Big Willie is another with Fight for Life experience and takes on what we are expecting to be a brawling ex-All Black.
Flavell will be looking for an early knockout but I think he could be gassed and Mason will be able to pick him off.”
The Fight for Life also sees two pro fights on Saturday night’s card.
Rising star Joseph Parker ($1.12) is red-hot favourite to beat journeyman Richard Tutaki ($5.50) in their heavyweight
showdown, while Kiwi Daniella Smith ($1.35) is tipped to have too much firepower for Aussie boxer-cum-model Lauryn Eagle
($2.90).
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NEW ZEALAND RACING BOARD
ENDS