Quade Cooper will make his professional boxing debut tonight when he faces journeyman Barry Dunnett tonight in Brisbane. We’ll have live updates from 8.30pm AEDT.
For former Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper it has been a particularly eventful 12 months, and nothing changes tonight when he jumps into the ring to try his hand at boxing.
He comes up against Barry Dunnett, an Australian fighter with a Muay Thai background who was particularly vocal in the lead-in to tonight.
He poses a genuine threat to Cooper after reportedly flooring a former sparring partner of Sonny Bill Williams last weekend.
Not that Cooper would know. He candidly professed that he would “not bother watching” any video of Dunnett in preparation for the fight – reminding us all that despite a turbulent 12 months, not much has changed with Cooper.
But Cooper does possess immense athletic ability and will come into this fight a short favourite. He attracts attention everywhere he moves, and tonight will be no different.
Coverage will begin from 8.30pm AEDT, in preparation for the Sonny Bill Williams vs Francois Botha fight which will follow.
Shungmao
Guest
Great result, plenty of money raised for charity. Cooper needs wrk on technique but one thing he as that mundine doesn't is a knockout punch. Well done mate, hope to see you fight again.
Red Kev
Guest
Yeah it was pretty odd - there are 90 secs of highlights up on YouTube which I guess is more than half the fight. All Dunnett's swings were short, like he was trying to hit a guy he was grappling with which makes sense for an MMA guy I guess. And Cooper doesn't understand defence in boxing any more than he does rugby - were his hands ever up? You have to think that someone with a decent jab would hurt him. Shame, I thought it would be a more even contest, two athletes but neither boxers ... very disappointing.
eagleJack
Guest
SBW lacks professionalism??? You obviously haven't spoken to any player, coach, CEO, Chairman, waterboy who has ever been associated with him. Well done to Quade. Barry Dunnett certainly did "real boxers" proud tonight....
Alissa
Guest
Damn was hoping he'd crash. Can't stand SBW either, he shows no loyalty and lacks professionalism...what next softball?
Samo
Guest
Where can I see the highlight?
Chad Bennett
Editor
Definitely didn't hit him flush, but the damage had been done with the uppercut beforehand.
T-bone
Guest
What tha??
Chad Bennett
Editor
RESULT: Quade Cooper (KO) defeated Barry Dunnett It might have lasted less than a round, but impressive from Quade Cooper. Danced quickly early on, but left himself open with his guard low and wore a pretty decent punch early on. But he responded well and with his jab began to work his way back into the round - then drilled Dunnett with a left uppercut, knocking him down, before delivering the knockout right soon afterwards, seconds before the bell. Difficult to judge based upon the strength of his opponent, but Quade might not be a bad prospect after all. Time to look toward Sonny Bill Williams v Francois Botha, which you can check out over here.
Zac Zavos
Editor
Was it a real hit or a glancing blow and fall?
Brendo
Guest
what an absolute mockery of boxing.
atlas
Guest
all over! Cooper by a knockout, i thought Dunnett would hold on till end of that round. 2 knockdowns no doubts about the result
Chad Bennett
Editor
ROUND ONE: Quade Cooper has knocked him out! Tagged him with a huge uppercut to knock him down the first time, then a massive right over the top to send Dunnett to the canvasl All over!
Chad Bennett
Editor
ROUND ONE: Quade has knocked him down!
Chad Bennett
Editor
ROUND ONE: There it is! Big shot on Quade! He's responded ok
Chad Bennett
Editor
ROUND ONE: Quade getting that jab going, looking nice - but his hands are down and if he isn't careful he might wear one.
Chad Bennett
Editor
ROUND ONE: Wow. Nice and quick from Quade, he can definitely move.
Chad Bennett
Editor
ROUND ONE: Boxers touch gloves. It's on!
Chad Bennett
Editor
Here he is. Quade is flanked by Anthony Mundine as he makes his way into the ring in red trunks. Looks tense, but ready to go.
Big bob
Guest
I too hope Quade gets his butt kicked... Stick to football preferably in France!!!
Mike D
Guest
Burglary charges. He broke in to some guys house and tried to swipe his laptop.