There is a developing theme among many of New Zealand's top rugby and league stars that an off-season celebrity boxing bout will improve their on-field performance.
Rugby World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams mastered the cross-code transition, Liam Messam backed up his 2011 Fight for Life bout with his first Super 15 title, and Issac Luke gave Christian Cullen a thumping before leading the South Sydney Rabbitohs into the NRL playoffs last season.
So when Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot was announced today as one of the latest 2012 Fight for Life participants, the question was not why, but how?
Elliot is fighting for a spot in the All Blacks' three-week European tour which ends 14 days before his bout on December 15, likely to be against New South Wales State of Origin skipper Paul Gallen or Gold Coast star Greg Bird.
The 26-year has evolved into the heir apparent to the All Blacks' front-line No 2s - Kevin Mealamu and Andrew Hore - but will be a lock for the Maori All Blacks who are also touring Europe at the same time.