Cam Mooney and Tom Bellchambers face off at the weigh in.
Former AFL stars Cameron Mooney and Tom Bellchambers will come to blows on Wednesday night as part of No Limit Boxing’s Melbourne card at Margaret Court Arena.
The all-AFL heavyweight clash is expected to draw significant interest, alongside former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker’s bout and Australian Nikita Tszyu’s fight.
Since NRL great Paul Gallen hung up his gloves last year, Australian boxing promoters have been pushing for the next football player to promote in the ring.
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While a host of ex-NRL stars have forged boxing careers with varying levels of success, the AFL market has been largely untapped.
Former AFL agitator Barry Hall made his professional boxing debut in 2019 but was capped at only two fights after a draw with Gallen and a heavy loss to Sonny Bill Williams.
Since retiring in 2011, three-time premiership player Mooney, 43, has taken up commentary duties. He is ten years older than his opponent, 33-year-old Bellchambers, who retired from the game in 2020.
Standing at 182cm, Bellchambers also significantly outweighs Mooney, but adding to the intrigue, Mooney has more boxing experience with years of sparring under his belt.
The pair will meet in a heavyweight bout lasting three two-minute rounds.
However, before the fight has even begun, attention has already turned to the victors’ next opponent with several other footy players eager for an opportunity.
Mitch Robinson is reportedly interested in tempting fate on No Limit Boxing’s next cross-code card.
A former Blue and Lion, Robinson, 33, played 247 senior games before his abrupt retirement at the end of last season. He now boasts a large online presence with his own YouTube channel and podcast.
The promoter also has several rugby league players on its books including newly-minted NSW Origin forward Tevita Pangai Jnr.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Matt Lodge and Siosiua Taukeiaho are also rumoured to be on board with a fight night later this year.
In Wednesday’s co-main event, Tszyu (5-0, 4KO) will face Benjamin Bommber (5-0, 4 KO).
Worryingly for Tszyu, Bommber has been training out of Floyd Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas and has linked up with undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney’s team in preparation.
Parker will fight for the commonwealth heavyweight title against Faiga Opel. The victor will become the first fighter from the Pacific to claim the honour.
How to watch?
In Australia, fans can tune in via Foxtel’s Main Event or Kayo Sports.
When does the card start?
The main card starts at 7pm AEST on Wednesday May 24. The main event ringwalks are scheduled for 10pm.
Full fight card:
Joseph Parker vs Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu, 10 rounds, heavyweight
Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Bommber, 6 rounds, super 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, super welterweight
Luke Gersbeck vs Jack Moore, 5 rounds, 69.0kg catch weight
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