Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is set to take on UFC and PRIDE veteran Soa 'The Hulk' Palelei in a charity boxing match.
Johnson has been training with Palelei, who retired from mixed martial arts in 2015 with a 22-5 record that included 18 knockouts, for several weeks ahead of the bout and is raising money for the Coeliac Research Group.
Part of the proceeds from the Corporate Boxing Event which will take place at Perth's Crown Casino will go to the charity, which holds a special place in Johnson's heart. "We have a daughter who suffers from coeliac," he told the Daily Mail.
"Even small amounts make her quite sick. If I'm going to get beaten up by a professional fighter, we might as well make it worth it."
Luckily for Johnson, Palelei has said he will 'look after' him in the ring, with the former MMA star adding that he "can throw a punch". He told the West Australian : "We've been doing some training and he's pretty good.
"He can throw a punch. But we just want people to step into the ring with a professional boxer or a fighter and they'll be looked after.
"It's their night to shine and they won't get hurt." The event will also be raising money for the Strong Minds programme, which Palelei has worked with as mental health ambassador since surviving a suicide attempt.
Palelei works closely with their Strong Mines and Strong Schools arms, adding: "I'd been troubled, going through depression and anxiety. If it wasn't for my oldest daughter, I wouldn't be here.
"I still have my moments, but I share my story and hopefully it can empower and encourage people to tell their story and it's about them having the courage to reach out."
