Rabbitohs forward Daniel Suluka-Fifita to make boxing debut on Gallen-Hodges undercard

Legendary boxing trainer Johnny Lewis has mentored some of Australia’s biggest names in the sport, and he believes an up-and-coming NRL star can make a winning debut on Wednesday night.

AN up-and-coming NRL star and one of Australia’s best ever boxing trainers.

It’s a lethal combination, and one Johnny Lewis believes could see Daniel Suluka-Fifita stamp his name as a powerhouse in the sport.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs forward will step into the ring on Wednesday night as part of the Paul Gallen and Justin Hodges undercard, taking on little known Novocastrian Bryce Jones.

Lewis has trained some of Australia’s biggest names like Jeff Fenech and Kostya Tszyu, and believes the front rower, who stands at 192cm and 112kg, can make a winning debut.

“The one thing I always look for in someone is discipline. He’s like an old boxer well into his 20s. He’s wonderful,” Lewis said.

“We believe Daniel will be a premiership player and certainly make Origin in the future. We’re not going to take that away from him.

“The boys videoed him sparring and I thought to myself, where’s Daniel?

“He’s only been doing it for a few weeks, but I believe in him. He’ll be a million dollars on Wednesday.”

Rabbitohs NRL player Daniel Suluka-Fifita will take to the boxing ring on Wednesday night with trainers Jayson Laing (left) and Johnny Lewis. Picture: Sean Teuma/NewsLocal

The 23-year-old’s journey into the ring started close to a year ago when getting a first-hand look at ex-league players going at it.

“Last year at the Gallen and Darcy Lussick fight, I was there with a couple of my footy mates,” Suluka-Fifita said.

“Siosiua Taukeiaho and I were watching and we liked what we saw. We both thought we should try it out and it would be good to have a fight.

“We hit George Rose (of No Limit Boxing) and said we’d be keen to find a fight next year.”

On the chance to train with Lewis, the Matraville Tigers junior said he’s been blessed to take many lessons from the icon.

“I met him eight weeks ago but I’ve learnt so much, not just in boxing but in life,” he said.

“He’s inspired me and I’m very grateful for him to be my coach and be in my corner.

“Johnny’s the best in Australia in my eyes, and we train to win. Hopefully we’ll get that done.”

He draws inspiration from the likes of Gallen, who took rugby league as far as it could go, before making the transition.

“I like what they’re doing,” he said.

“They’ve had a great footy career and once their time’s done they’re going to boxing.

“I like the sound of that and that could be me one day.”

At this stage former premiership winner Taukeiaho remains without an opponent on the card.