Queensland Maroons icon Justin Hodges has gone after NSW Blues legend Matt Cooper at a press conference ahead of their State of Origin-style fight on Saturday night, insisting he will ‘f**k up’ Cooper’s face.
The pair shared a fierce rivalry on the footy field and will take that energy to the ring in Stan’s live and exclusive pay-per-view ‘Battle on the Reef’ bout in Townsville.
Hodges will step into the ring for the ninth time this weekend and is happy to finally lay his hands on his longtime rival.
‘We came close [to fighting] a number of times,’ Hodges said.
‘Obviously he was playing for the Dragons, and I was at the Broncos.
Justin Hodges (pictured in white shirt) fired shots at fellow ex-NRL star Matt Cooper ahead of their upcoming boxing bout on Saturday
Hodges and Cooper came close to fighting a few times on the footy field over the years
Order Battle on the Reef, live & exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View this Saturday night from 6:30pm AEDT.
‘Origin time we came close again. I think he was worried about losing.
‘We get another opportunity on Saturday night and I’m looking forward to punching the c**p out of him.’
When Cooper was asked about the upcoming bout he suggested that if anybody wants a joke, just look at his opponent’s photo.
Laughter rang out in the room, but Hodges didn’t see the humour in the remark.
‘Don’t worry about that photo,’ he fiercely replied.
‘Worry about the photo after the fight when your face is all f**ked up!’
Cooper will be making his debut in boxing but has been training at Wollongong’s Freestyle MMA gym for many years alongside UFC superstar Alex Volkanovski.
Hodges has stepped into the ring nine times, winning five of his bouts (pictured, in the ring against Jordan Simi at the Hordern Pavilion last year)
Cooper (pictured middle) has been training for many years in MMA, but this will be his boxing debut
Hodges last fought in November, losing to footy legend Paul Gallen via unanimous decision in Sydney.
The Queenslander’s five boxing victories are impressive and he’s shown serious improvement over the last few years.
The card also has NRL stars Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels) squaring off with Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys) in their pro debuts.
Parramatta’s Junior Paulo will lock horns with retired star Ben Hannant, while Tevita Pangai Junior will also have his first boxing match since he announced his retirement from rugby league, fighting Frank Amato.
Pangai Jr’s brother Jermaine will also feature on the card against Nepote Dawadawa, with Austin Aokuso to go up against Filimoni Naliva Jr.
Order Battle on the Reef, live & exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View this Saturday night from 6:30pm AEDT.