A star-studded undercard has been announced for the upcoming Fight for Life, with former rugby and league greats set to square off.
The main event had already been previously confirmed with former All Black, Kevin Mealamu taking on Warriors legend, Wairangi Koopu.
But a host of big names will now serve as an appetiser for the event, which is in support of the 'I am Hope' mental health and suicide prevention charity.
All Blacks great Carlos Spencer returns to the ring for the first time since 2014 to face two-time NRL grand final winner Paul Whatuira.
Whatuira is looking forward to putting on a show for such a great cause.
"Mental health is everybody’s business. When you isolate yourself, loneliness becomes toxic. As an advocate, I am grateful to be able to draw more attention to what is often a silent issue, particularly in our youth and in the Maori community," he said.
"The biggest challenge is within ourselves. I want our kids to know even when it’s daunting, even when it’s the most difficult, they have the power to overcome their challenges. We all have the opportunity to demonstrate courage. Trust yourself, control your fears and move forward. When in doubt, ask for help. We all need each other."
Spencer says he’s looking forward to shaking off the ring-rust.
"It's been a long time between drinks since the Monty bout. I knew I was the underdog but took it for the challenge and more importantly for charity reasons," he said.
"After so much water under the bridge, it’s good to be testing myself once again in the spirit of charity. I am also looking forward to facing Paul because if I know anything about Paul, it’s that he’ll bring it on the night."
Former New Zealand and Chiefs back-rower Liam Messam finally has an opponent booked after considerable difficulty in the shape of former Warrior and Samoan prop, James Gavet.
Messam, who is 3-0 inside of the ring, has ambitions for the New Zealand heavyweight title and has been sparring with Olympic medallist, David Nyika.
Gavet’s sheer physical presence will present real problems for Messam in the ring but it’s his well-documented personal struggles which are guiding his participation in Fight for Life.
"Mental health is such an important cause and I’m living proof of how serious it is and how it can derail your life if not looked after. I’ve had some close friends take their own lives and am fortunate to be alive after trying to end my own life," he said.
"When I struggled with my own demons, I needed good people around me to pull me through. As a young Pacific Islander this is the perfect opportunity to give back to my community and let other young men and women who’re going through it know, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going."
Two of New Zealand's brightest young boxers have also been added to the card with the undefeated pairing of Andrei Mikhailovich (17-0) and Jerome Pampellone (12-0).
Both are coming off impressive victories and will face Francis Waitai (5-0) and Joshua ‘Chuckie’ Francis (12-1-1) respectively.
