Boxing: Nansen with chance of a lifetime

New Zealand's Antz Nansen will fight Hasim Rahman, pictured. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi Antz Nansen has been drawn against former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman in the first round of next month's Super 8 boxing tournament.

Nansen, who has mostly fought as a kickboxer during a decade-long fighting career, was named as a wildcard for the tournament this week when Samuel Peter withdrew due to a calf injury.

The 31-year-old will now find himself in the ring against No 1 seed Rahman at The Trusts Arena in Auckland on June 4 with the chance of a lifetime at an event with a $500,000 purse.

In a three-round prizefighting event anything can happen and while Nansen will give up height, weight and reach to the former champion, Rahman (50-8-2) hasn't fought since late 2012 when he was knocked out by Alexander Povetkin.

Australian veteran Danny Green, who will commentate at the Super 8 tournament, said Nansen had a chance to make a name for himself.

"If I were Nansen, I'd be licking my lips. He should let it all hang out, losing to a guy like Rahman is no disgrace but if you tip him over you write your own ticket,'' Green said.

In other match-ups, former heavyweight title contender and third seed Kali Meehan will meet Australian wildcard Hunter Sam, second-seeded American Alonzo Butler will battle Kiwi seventh-seed Brice Ritani-Coe and Europeans Michael Sprott (4th seed) and Martin Rogan (5th seed) will square off.

Fighters will collide over three three-minutes rounds with the winner moving on to the next stage.

First-round match-ups
1st seed: Hasim Rahman (US) v 8th seed Antz Nansen (NZ)
2nd seed Alonzo Butler (US) v 7th seed Brice Ritani-Coe (NZ)
3rd seed Kali Meehan (NZ) v 6th seed Hunter Sam (AUS)
4th seed Michael Sprott (UK) v 5th seed Martin Rogan (IRE)