Former All Black Keven Mealamu has been scratched from Thursday's Fight for Life boxing card, due to a heart condition.
Mealamu was scheduled to face ex-NZ Warriors and Kiwis star Wairangi Koopu in his boxing debut in the main event of the charity fight night at Auckland.
But a routine pre-fight medical check on the eve of the event has revealed an irregular heart beat symptomatic of a condition known as atrial fibrillation, forcing his former Blues doctor Stephen Kara to rule him unfit to fight.
Mealamu, 43, reportedly felt fit and healthy throughout his pre-fight camp with trainer Monty Betham, but the risks in allowing him to compete are deemed too great.
If his heart rate reaches a certain level, it could lead to chest pain, shortness of breath and even heart failure, with an increased risk of a stroke or heart attack.
“Keven feels numb and is so apologetic, typical of the man who has given so much, but is thinking of others," said Betham. "That attitude to never want to let anyone down is what makes him special.
"We now must ensure Keven is safe. Whilst we must not allow Keven to fight, it is expected that he will make a full recovery."
The clash between former All Blacks/Blues teammate Carlos Spencer and NRL veteran Paul Whatuira has now been promoted to the headline act.
"This is worthy of being a professional fight, with both guys bringing in freak athleticism and boxing experience," Betham added.
The 132-test All Blacks hooker has his sights set on following NRL boxing converts Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams into lucrative careers in the ring.
"I think, for the last four weeks especially, it's about being in the moment, not looking too far forward," he told Newshub on Tuesday. "Especially when you're in there sparring, just taking it day by day."
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