You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content

Vodafone Warriors back rower Bodene Thompson is set to step into the ring for just the second time after agreeing to face Cronulla captain Paul Gallen in boxing's Super 8 event at the SKYCITY Convention Centre on November 3.

Thompson's only other fight was for charity in 2011 when he honoured his brother, who was just 16 when he lost his battle with cancer.

The Tauranga-born Thompson spoke to Vodafone Warriors TV about the challenge of not just getting in the ring again but also taking on Gallen, who has a 3-0 professional fight record plus two victories in charity bouts.

It’s a big step up from his first fight, which was fought over three two-minute rounds; he's scheduled to go four three-minute rounds with Gallen.

Thompson has been back training this week with other Vodafone Warriors team-mates who are in the Kiwis' train-on squad preparing for the end of season tour to England. He’s also set to start working with veteran boxing trainer Lolo Heimuli next week for his Super 8 debut.

Thompson’s priority is to make the Kiwis. If he does the fight against Gallen won’t go ahead. 

Acknowledgement of Country

The New Zealand Warriors honour the mana of the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific. We acknowledge the traditional kaitiaki of the lands, elders past and present, their stories, their traditions, their mamae and their mana motuhake.

Principal Partner

Major Partners

Official Sponsors

View All Partners