Netball shooter Irene Van Dyk set to fight in charity boxing event

Irene van Dyk gets on her gloves as she announces her intention to take part in the Fight for Life bout. Photo / Getty Images

Silver Ferns netball great Irene Van Dyk will take to the boxing ring for the first time at December's Fight For Life charity event at the Claudelands Arena in Hamilton.

She says it's a challenge she's been after for some time.

"Every time [I suggested it] my husband [Christie] and daughter Bianca would say 'the time is not right' but after retiring [from netball] and finishing without such a good year this year, I needed something that would push me outside my comfort zone. This definitely will.

"Christie got in touch with Burger King Fight For Life and put my name forward. I'm doing it thinking of people who fight for their lives every day [for designated charity Hospice Waikato]. This is my little bit to help them live their lives to the full.

"I've never fought with anyone physically, and never punched anyone in the face. I'm not condoning anyone getting out there in the school playground to fight at lunchtimes. This is a controlled environment and this is about the cause."

No opponent has yet been confirmed for the 43-year-old, 1.9m shooter.

Van Dyk's 'most wanted' candidate will be selected by September 29 and must:
- be under 45 years old.
- never have boxed before.
- post a call-out video on Facebook.
- attempt to fight three round of two minutes' duration.

Irene van Dyk at the Fight For Life announcement. Photo / Andrew Alderson

The organisers, Duco Events, will get the final say on Van Dyk's opponent. Preferences will be given to the strongest social media campaign.

Duco boss David Higgins said Van Dyk had approached them: "She said she would fight anyone, whereas most people want to choose who they will fight.

"Val Adams, if you're watching, you can put your hand up."

The weight discrepancy might be a problem. Former Australian coach Norma Plummer was wryly suggested as another candidate.

Van Dyk is feeling punchy. Photo / Getty Images

The successful applicant will receive $5000 win, lose or draw.

The most capped international netballer of all time, Van Dyke played 72 times for South Africa and 145 times for adopted country New Zealand.

She won two Commonwealth Games gold medals with the Silver Ferns and a World Netball Championship in 2003.

Proceeds from this year's Fight For Life will go to Hospice Waikato, $100,000 was raised for them at last year's event.

Irene Van Dyk
Age: 43
Height: 1.9m
Netball tests: 217 - 72 for South Africa, 145 for New Zealand
International debut: 1994 for South Africa
Final test: 2014 for New Zealand
5917 goals from 6572 shots
Accolades: Commonwealth gold (2006, 20100, World championship gold (2003)