The countdown is on for the annual Fight for Life charity boxing event next Thursday in Auckland.
Featuring a range of Kiwi and international fighters., the card will raise funds for mental health charity 'I am Hope', while also doubling as a chance for professional boxers to contend for world titles.
Twelve boxers from across the world will compete, with Kiwi Mea Motu and Canadian Tiana Walters creating history by being the first women to headline the event.
"Ready to smash it," said Motu.
They'll fight for the IBO super bantamweight world title, just two years after 33-year-old Motu returned to the sport.
"I never thought it was going to be possible until I had my first fight," she said of her world title bid. "But now it's been my dream for the past two years."
The mum of five has gone professional, with a flawless record through 15 bouts and winning four national titles along the way.
Less familiar with ring-craft is former NZ Warrior Sione Faumuina, who'll face sevens legend DJ Forbes.
Faumuina will make his boxing debut, after he used the sport to kickstart his fitness journey a few years ago.
The 42-year-old admitted he'd neglected his health since hanging up his boots in 2009.
"I ran into a hardcore Warriors fan who had seen the massive weight gain and had a few 'nice things' to say about it," Faumuina joked. "They spurred me on.
As they've both proven, Faumuina and Motu believe it's never too late to make changes in life.
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Join Newshub at 7pm, Thursday April 27 for live updates of the Fight for Life boxing event
