Former Huddersfield Giants star Phil Joseph is swapping his rugby boots for boxing gloves in the off season.
He plans to take the first step towards becoming a professional fighter.
Joseph, 29, who has nicknamed himself the ‘Widnes Wrecking Ball’, will work under world champion trainer Oliver Harrison, who looks after WBC silver middleweight title-holder Martin Murray and WBA intercontinental super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding.
He spent last season playing for Widnes Vikings in SuperLeague and head coach Denis Betts said: “I’ve given Phil permission to get involved in the boxing as we believe it will enhance his performances on the rugby league field.
“Phil is passionate about boxing but understands that his priority lies with the Vikings and being involved in helping push the club forward even more next season.”
It’s not the first time he has donned the gloves. He took part in a charity bout to help Rawthorpe Amateur Boxing Club.
Joseph said: “Boxing is how I lost a lot of weight and it’s helped me be in the position I’m in as it got me in shape to have another go at Super League with Widnes.
“I must stress to the fans that my rugby league is the priority and I’ll be doing everything in the pre-season as I normally would.
“I’ll be working with Oliver on the boxing technique on top of the Vikings training so by the time Super League comes round I’ll be in the shape of my life.
“Once the season starts again my boxing will be on the back burner but I’ll be returning to it as it’s something I enjoy.”
Harrison said: “Phil has got a lot of potential. I’m excited working with him. He’s 100 per cent dedicated to be a professional fighter and that’s all I need.”
The ring challenge is the latest for Joseph, the former Newsome Panthers coach who made his debut for Huddersfield in 2004.
He has since racked up more than 230 SuperLeague appearances.
He has also been a licensee at bars in Huddersfield.
Joseph, who has played for Halifax, Hull KR, and Huddersfield Giants, bought That Bar in King Street having previously managed The Waterloo at Waterloo and The Crosland, Crosland Moor while playing professional rugby.
