GIANTS chief executive Ralph Rimmer is ready to go head-to-head with Long in the ring!

But on this occasion it won't be with St Helens star Sean Long after Rimmer's public call for the scrum half to be handed an immediate ban following allegations that he betted on his team losing a Super League game at Bradford.

Instead, Rimmer will be taking on Leeds' fighter Mark Long in his kick-boxing bout in Buxton on Saturday.

It will be the first time the rugby league supremo, who is also chief executive of the McAlpine Stadium, will have taken part in an official bout.

And former British karate middlewight champion Long is expected to prove a tough opponent.

Rimmer does, however, have a height and reach advantage. He is 6ft 5in and Long is just 6ft, and the Giants chief will be looking to make that count on his big night.

"I've only just found out that I'll be fighting someone called Long," he said.

"In light of the fact I've just been involved in a very public spat with St Helens over the betting allegations surrounding Sean Long, it's both ironic and amusing I'll be fighting someone called Long.

"I suppose that adds a little extra spice to a bout that's already growing in appeal.

"I'm feeling really good about the bout right now, although that could change between now and Saturday night!

"But the training has gone well and I'm in pretty good a shape. The acid test isn't too far away."

The row between Rimmer and the St Helens club erupted in the week leading up to the Giants' clash with Saints in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

Rimmer believed Long and teammate Martin Gleeson should have been banned after it was alleged they placed bets on their team to lose to the Bulls on Easter Monday.

That sparked a furious response from the newly-crowned Challenge Cup winners.

The bout takes place at the Palace Hotel in Buxton, with the doors opening at 6.30 and the first fight an hour later.

The Rimmer-Long clash is the main event at 10.30.

There are still a number of seats available and can be purchased by phoning the ticket hotline on 01298-74038 or by e-mailing office@buxtonbba.co.uk.