Manu Vatuvei could be on a collision course with Warriors management.
In the wake of the Warriors’ stunning semi-final victory over the Tigers on Friday night, it has emerged the 112kg wrecking ball is being lined up for a charity boxing bout with Jonah Lomu, who will make his fight debut in December.
The Fight For Life charity event will also feature former Broncos, Dragons and Maroons winger Wendell Sailor but Vatuvei’s proposed showdown with Lomu is almost certain to be thwarted by the Warriors’ hierarchy.
Vatuvei has been in talks with fight organisers for three months.
However, the club are expected to block any attempt by Vatuvei to fight…with the winger only returning to action two weeks ago after being sidelined by a wrist injury.
Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club had to consider a number of factors, including insurance issues, before giving Vatuvei the green light to fight Lomu.
“Nothing has been confirmed as yet so we’re not worrying too much about it,” he said.
“But the club and rugby league comes first. Lots of names have been bandied about. Jonah is signed up but they haven’t confirmed his opponent and
Manu is one of the names suggested.”
Vatuvei’s manager Peter Brown said, “He’s very interested in fighting, no doubt about it, but he also understands he’s got commitments to the Warriors and there are insurance things to go through.”
Sonny Bill Williams was another possible contender to fight Lomu, but the dual international has refused the bout.
Lomu, who has overcome a life-threatening kidney condition, told a New Zealand newspaper: “Sonny pulled out a month ago saying he wanted to fight someone with credibility.
“I’m not a boxer, not yet…but I’m a fighter.”
by Buford Balony
