Kane Cornes says he will happily retire from boxing with a losing record after a tough night at the office in Adelaide.
The outspoken footy pundit and Port Adelaide legend was handed a boxing lesson by fellow commentator Nathan Brown on Wednesday night, losing by decision.
Cornes entered the ring to boos and his boxing demise will surely amuse fans for some time to come, but he was magnanimous in defeat after his beating.
‘I’m OK, I’m relieved it’s over,’ he said. ‘It’s been a really challenging experience. I’ve really enjoyed it. My coaches have been phenomenal. I never put boxing gloves on until eight weeks ago so to be able to get in there and still be standing is a win.
‘It’s the most nervous and anxious I’ve ever been. I’ve got so much respect for anybody who gets in the ring, so athletic, their stamina is incredible, courage toughness, the sport ticks every box.
Kane Cornes suffered defeat in his professional boxing debut on Wednesday night
The AFL legend was beaten by fellow great Nathan Brown in Adelaide
‘I really want to pay credit to my opponent, he was phenomenal. Browny, he has got real power and he is an incredible athlete, brilliant footballer and shit he was a good fighter.’
Reflecting on his own performance, Cornes wishes he had pulled the trigger more often, but admitted there were moments he thought he was close to suffering a knockout.
‘I just would have loved to thrown a few more punches. I think I gave him a black eye which I’ll take but he was unbelievable, clearly the overwhelming winner. A couple of times I thought I was going to go down so I’m happy to be standing.
‘There were a couple that stung me, I gathered myself. I’m happy because when I first started I hated getting hit in the head.’
But Cornes couldn’t help but take a pot-shot at AFL strugglers West Coast after his defeat, likening his display to that of the beleaguered club.
‘I would probably be the West Coast Eagles,’ he joked. ‘No rematch, I’ll definitely box for fitness but I will never box for contact again. I will retire 0-1.’
Cornes says he will happily never fight again following the one-sided demolition
He acknowledged the boo boys and embraced the forthcoming mocking of his defeat.
‘I’m not really worried about it, it’s never really bothered me., I’m aware that my style is divisive and I’m happy to embrace it.
‘It was a good atmosphere, it’s an incredible event. To get all the AFL footballers to put their hands up and do it, hats off.’