The upcoming Fight for Life bout is more than just a three-round scrap for former NZ Warriors star Wairangi Koopu.
Koopu will face All Blacks legend Kevin Mealamu on July 21 in the first installment of the event since 2015.
It's a classic battle of league and union, between two retired players who have been out of the game for some time.
They both appear in remarkable physical condition, and have already been training for some time. But it's the mental aspect that's significant to the showpiece in more ways than one.
Mike King's 'I am Hope' is the principle charity, and it's one close to Koopu's heart as a former professional athlete who has faced his own mental battles since retiring.
"The real thing that got me over the line for this fight was 'I am Hope'. 'I am Hope' has played a big part in my life," Koopu told Newshub.
"Not only in terms of what they do but [me] supporting what they do over the years, and how impactful they are in our rangatahi's lives across Aotearoa, it means a lot to me.
"When I've struggled in my life with depression or mental illness, Mike [King] is not far away from a text. They've given me councillors whenever I needed to reach out and talk to somebody."
Koopu played 159 times for the Warriors, appearing in the 2002 Grand Final, and was named the club's player of the year in 2004, before spending a season at Melbourne Storm at the end of his career.
But even after playing in the NRL for a decade, he faced his share of challenges once he hung up the boots.
"After retiring and then through the last 22 years, witnessing what mental illness and depression does to ex-athletes, current athletes and not just athletes, but a lot of people in high-pressure situations, whoever it might be. I've lost friends to suicide because of depression," he said.
Koopu admits he faced his own mental health struggles following his career, and particularly wants to help raise awareness for current and former professionals who may be facing something similar.
"Both Kev and I know how important it is to push that message to the current crop of professional rugby and rugby league players," he said.
"I started when I was 19 and finished when I was 30. My whole 20s I was still a kid. You don't learn the tools to deal with mental illness or depression, especially post-rugby league."
"It was a huge thing for me to put myself in a situation again where I challenge myself mentally, and to get the opportunity as the main card to raise awareness for what we're doing and what I feel is very important for us."
