In just under three weeks, former All Black Liam Messam takes on yet another big sporting challenge.
Messam, now 40, steps into the professional boxing ring for the eighth time, this time on the undercard of the David Nyika cruiserweight showdown in Auckland on September 14.
Messam is unbeaten in his seven previous official bouts.
"I’ve tried to step out of the ring and retire probably three times, but these opportunities keep coming up."
Messam — who still plays the odd club rugby game for Hautapu in Waikato — retired from professional rugby three years ago.
Messam said he's never lost the competitive streak and hunger for competition. “I'd say no, you do it for so long, it's just who you are now. I love the training side of things, all the habits i’ve created... I come from the school of Titch."
"Titch" being legendary sevens coach Sir Gordon Teitjens, who Messam came across for the first time as a 16-year-old. He’s forever been a fitness freak.
"Yes, Sir Gordon, he flicked the switch when I was 16 years old and he forgot to turn it off."
It's almost full circle for Messam and long time mate Nyika. They first bumped into each other, training, what else … around 15 years ago.
"I think he was 14 or 15 — skinny kid — he wanders into the boxing gym in his Hamilton Boys High uniform," Messam says. "He impressed then with his natural talent and has only improved over the years with a huge amount of hard work. He’s a world champion in the making. I feel that in my heat."
These days, Messam works behind the scenes for the Chiefs Super Rugby outfit — unearthing rugby talent, mentoring and mapping out the future.
"It’s very different for me sitting at a computer watching heaps of First XV rugby and NPC. I was never really a big watcher when I played. That’s different now. I enjoy trying to mould younger players, even if it’s just building good habits."
Given his peak physical state, what would happen if the Waikato NPC team all of a sudden lost a bunch of loose forwards .. and the phone call came.
"Funny you should say that I've blocked [head coach] Ross Filipo off my phone... So if he tries to call, he won't be able to get through," Messam says with a laugh.
"I played club a couple of months ago... I hurt my neck. It's still sore, so I don’t think so, there’s no point in an old 40-year-old coming in to fill a spot”
Messam says, since retiring from professional rugby, he’s always followed the advice he was given, which was always have something to work towards.
This mantra helps his mind and body stay fit, because you never know what the next challenge is, just around the corner.
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