Canberra Raiders prop Josh Papalii is taking off the footy boots and pulling on the boxing gloves.
Papalii is set to fight former Maroons prop Ben Hannant on Friday in Townsville as part of the All Stars Fight Night.
“I’m looking pretty good and feeling confident,” Papalii told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I try to leave all my nerves at sparring and while doing those long cardio sessions, but getting punched in the face isn’t too bad for me. I’m not good looking so it doesn’t bother me anyway.
“I always get nervous before NRL games and this is all new to me so it’s going to be a unique experience. I want to make sure I’m ready for it."
Papalii has a boxing background thanks to his cousins and uncles who he watched growing up, however, he’s not relying on family history to carry him through the fight.
“Just because my cousin fights, doesn’t mean I will be a good fighter,” Papalii added in the Cairns Post.
“Ben Hannant will give me a run for my money. He was always fit for a prop and post-football he is keeping fit doing triathlons and stuff like that.”
It is understood that Papalii has lost an astonishing 15kg in the past two months thanks to his preparation.
The Raiders and Maroons star also believes that the offseason training will prepare him for the 2021 season.
“I think this boxing training will be good for my football this year," he added.
“It’s something I am really enjoying. It has taken my mind away from football and it’s made me a bit hungrier than most pre-seasons.”
Listen to Josh Papalii's full chat with SEN 1170 Breakfast below: