It seems Manu Vatuvei may be heading towards a clash with the Warriors management.
Following the Warriors’ remarkable semi-final win against the Tigers on Friday night, it has come to light that the 112kg powerhouse is being considered for a charity boxing match against Jonah Lomu, who is set to make his fighting debut in December.
The charity event, Fight For Life, will also include former Broncos, Dragons and Maroons winger Wendell Sailor, yet the Warriors’ management is likely to put a stop to Vatuvei’s much-anticipated bout with Lomu.
For three months, Vatuvei has engaged in discussions with the fight organizers.
However, the club is anticipated to prevent any efforts from Vatuvei to participate in the fight…especially since the winger only made his return to the field two weeks ago following a wrist injury.
According to Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah, the club must evaluate multiple factors like insurance matters before allowing Vatuvei to proceed with the fight against Lomu.
“At this point, nothing has been confirmed, so we’re not overly concerned,” he explained.
“Yet, rugby league and the club take precedence. A lot of names have been mentioned. While Jonah is already signed up, his opponent hasn’t been confirmed, and 
Manu is one of the names that have come up.”
Peter Brown, Vatuvei’s manager, remarked, “He’s certainly keen on fighting, there’s no doubt about that, but he also realizes his obligations to the Warriors, and there are insurance issues to address.”
Sonny Bill Williams was considered another potential opponent for Lomu, but the dual international has declined the fight.
Lomu, who has triumphed over a serious kidney condition, shared with a New Zealand newspaper, “Sonny withdrew a month ago, mentioning he’d prefer to fight someone credible.”
“I’m not a boxer yet…but I am a fighter.”
by Buford Balony
