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TAB Calls Split Decision As Rival Codes ‘go the biff'
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.”
| FIGHTER | CARLOS SPENCER (RUGBY) | JARROD McCRACKEN (LEAGUE) |
| HEIGHT | 1.84m | 1.91m |
| WEIGHT | 100kg | 104kg |
| AGE | 37 | 42 |
| TAB 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.”
| FIGHTER | ERIC MURRAY (RUGBY) | MANU VATUVEI (LEAGUE) |
| HEIGHT | 1.95m | 1.89m |
| WEIGHT | 98kg | 112kg |
| AGE | 30 | 26 |
| TAB 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.”
| FIGHTER | RENE RANGER (RUGBY) | GREG BIRD (LEAGUE) |
| HEIGHT | 1.85m | 1.84m |
| WEIGHT | 101kg | 100kg |
| AGE | 26 | 28 |
| TAB 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.”
| FIGHTER | HIKA ELLIOTT (RUGBY) | PAUL GALLEN (LEAGUE) |
| HEIGHT | 1.86m | 1.80m |
| WEIGHT | 114kg | 103kg |
| AGE | 26 | 31 |
| TAB 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.”
| FIGHTER | TROY FLAVELL (RUGBY) | WILLIE MASON (LEAGUE) |
| HEIGHT | 1.95m | 1.96m |
| WEIGHT | 118kg | 115kg |
| AGE | 36 | 32 |
| TAB 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).
--
NEW
ZEALAND RACING BOARD
web
www.nzracingboard.co.nz www.tab.co.nz www.trackside.co.nz www.theraces.co.nz
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