Tonu'u in for the fight of his life

Ofisa Tonu'u at the weigh-in for tonight's Fight For Life. Picture / Richard Robinson

When former All Black Ofisa Tonu'u signed up for this year's Fight For Life, he didn't expect to line up against an opponent who'd be a professional boxer two weeks later.

But that's the scenario facing Tonu'u at tonight's charity event when he faces former league star John Hopoate.

"It's a bit daunting, to say the least, but I have a plan," Tonu'u said. "I'm not going in as a punching bag."

Though it's for charity, Hopoate said viewers were in for a competitive and entertaining fight.

"For me, it's a dress rehearsal for in two week's time, so I want to win."

This year's event is a tri-nations affair, featuring former rugby and league stars from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, including former All Black Inga Tuigamala and ex-Warrior's hardman Kevin Campion.

As well as boxing, entertainment includes bikini-clad dancing cowgirls, the Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe from China and Kurbanov's Motorcycle Foot Jugglers from Moscow.

Organiser Dean Lonergan said: "This is a major entertainment event and I hope people will enjoy it, and we'll hopefully make a lot of money for the Child Cancer Foundation."

With the event attracting a sold-out crowd of 3260 at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson, and a likely television audience of more than 500,000, Lonergan hopes to raise $500,000. TV3 coverage begins at 8.30pm.