Picture credit: Catch News/NZ Herald
Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who was one of the most fiery bowlers in the history of cricket, will be stepping into the boxing ring to face a giant UFC veteran, who is popularly known as The Hulk. The 42-year-old Aussie is risking his health by entering the fight against a professional to help fight a disease his daughter is suffering from.
Johnson's daughter Rubika Anne Johnson is suffering from coeliac disease, which can damage the small intestine and even anaemia as it hampers the proper processing of gluten in bodies of the patients.
Former fast bowler will face the former UFC and Pride Fighting Championships fighter, Soa Palelei on Saturday. The 45-year-old Palelei has managed 22 victories from 27 fights, with 18 KOs and four submissions.
Ahead of their fight, Johnson said, "We have a daughter who suffers from coeliac. Even small amounts make her quite sick. If I'm going to get beaten up by a professional fighter, we might as well make it worth it."
The fight between Johnson and Palelei will take place at the corporate boxing event on the Great Lawn of Perth’s Crown Casino and both the fighters have trained together for a week before their clash.
Some part of the fight will be going to charity at the Celiac Research Group in the United States, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, which is close to Mitchell Johnson.