The boxing ring may sound like the last place to regain your bearings.
But Queensland Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie says Quade Cooper has never appeared more focussed at rugby training despite also throwing himself into pugilism ahead of next month’s boxing debut.
McKenzie would have been forgiven for being concerned about his social media-loving playmaker juggling a February 8 bout with his Super Rugby pre-season.
Cooper agreed to fight on the undercard of good mate and fellow sport-hopper Sonny Bill Williams in Brisbane next month before settling his differences with the Australian Rugby Union and signing a two-year deal.
But McKenzie only had good things to say about boxing’s influence on his star charge who appears ready for a big season after the controversies of 2012 when he made his disillusionment with the Wallabies environment public.
“He’s been getting his boxing done around normal training. The quality of his rugby training has been outstanding – he seems in a very good space,” MKenzie said on Tuesday.
“He is highly motivated and very switched on.
“He is adding a lot not just in terms of the team but also a lot of mentoring around some of the younger guys.
“And it is the first time since I have known him that he’s had a contract longer than one year – he is fairly settled.”
McKenzie even believed the confidence gained from boxing would benefit Cooper’s rugby game.
“If you are going to put yourself out there in front of a big TV audience and a crowd one-on-one …you can’t help think he is getting some benefit from a confidence point of view,” he said.
But McKenzie cracked a wry smile when asked how Cooper could juggle future boxing bouts.
“We will have to see how he goes in his first bout,” he said.
“We will talk after that.”
Cooper had reportedly knocked out two sparring partners in a week while training away from the Reds gym.
It may be agreeing with Cooper but recovering Reds captain James Horwill – eyeing a rugby comeback from a hamstring complaint in next month’s pre-season trials – has not caught the boxing bug.
“I have no aspirations but hopefully he does well,” Horwill said.
“He certainly enjoys it.
“I have seen him spar. He might surprise a few people.”
Colvin
Guest
This fellow lined up to fight Quade looks pretty tough. He wants to knock Quade out. How many rounds does Quade have to go? Are they three minute rounds? Ouch!
Red Kev
Guest
Looks like it is some Muay Thai fighter who has had a couple of boxing bouts already. Seems like a decent match up to be honest, both good athletes but boxing is not the preferred sport of either. At least it's not a 40 year old fat guy. http://www.smh.com.au/sport/boxing/who-dunnett-cooper-rivals-muay-thai-past-20130110-2cj1j.html
Slacky
Guest
Who will Quade fight? I think Bambi has retired so they will have to find someone he can beat. Winnie the Pooh or Piglet. Spare me! SBW is fight a bloke who should have retired 30 years ago!! Would be a laugh but it will never happen that both blokes get flogged.
MA
Guest
Wow...the number of elite level keyboard jockey's has certainly risen on the Roar over the off season.
Justin2
Guest
blah blah blah
Hightackle
Guest
Are you referring to the 2 matches he has played well for Aust in? Was it that many? It was so long ago but are you sure he has actually played well for Australia in more than 1 game? Ohh well, Im sure if you keep giving him chances that one day he will stop sh#ting all over his team mates, the jersey and the culture and actually play well at test level. When I say play well, I mean in attack, not defence becuz Quade is half of a complete rugby player...on a good day...if the gameplan suits him...if he has who he wants beside him...and as long as its not an important match...and as long as they hide him of defence. I wonder if he will expect them to change the boxing rules or the shape of the ring to suit him.
Justin2
Guest
Ah yes 2 matches that will only ever be the source of his judgement, how utterly ridiculous.
Armchair Sportsfan
Guest
As someone who's done a couple of amateur fights myself....i concur that focus in the lead up to fight is rarely a problem (nothing motivaes you like knowing some bloke is trying punch you in the head). What will be interesting is how focussed he remains after the fight, usually the few weeks after a fights iI always found it almost impossible to motivate yourself to get the the gym...even if just to get on the cross trainer!
Malo
Guest
It will be like his RWC performance a farce
Justin2
Guest
Can't wait for cooper to get back on the field and actually watch a class 10 instead of these other wannabee's...
stillmatic1
Guest
which personality of nicks will it be though skills?
Skills & Techniques
Guest
I heard QC was fighting Nick Nolte. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
chuck
Guest
Cathy Hawkins will come out retirement just that Sharon Anyors would want a bigger perse.
The Grafter
Guest
Well said R K :)
David Heidelberg
Guest
They are scouring the retirement homes and halfway houses as we speak.
Red Kev
Guest
Learning the correct techniques for jimmying locks and swiping stuff is an important skill!
Wally James
Roar Guru
Cooper mentoring someone? You have to be kidding me.
The Grafter
Guest
Its not even on boxrec so what does that tell you. It will be interesting to see how many mugs pay for this farce on Main Event. As a boxing purist, and regular at the fights, I certainly wont be.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Have been looking for the bloke who will be fighting him but haven't found anything yet. Will it be a an unknown 'real boxer' or a former football player having a go? QC's PR team is certainly doing their job as we have been hearing from pretty much every media sources that 'Cooper had reportedly knocked out two sparring partners in a week while training away from the Reds gym.'.
Rob
Guest
Have the found the malnourished (or serverely overnourished) homeless man for quade to fight yet??