WARRNAMBOOL publican Matty Stewart will jump in the ring with world champion middleweight Sam Soliman as part of a boxing exhibition this Sunday.
The Whalers Hotel owner/manager secured the timeslot with Soliman after bowing to some playful banter from friends.
Local gym owner Rodney Ryan arranged the meeting.
“There was a bit of banter and they said I wouldn’t do it,” Stewart laughed.
“So I spoke to Rude (Ryan) and he organised it.”
Soliman is in town this weekend to train with Ryan in the lead-up to an IBF bout against Garth Wood on February 19.
The boxing veteran’s professional record stands at 40 wins from 51 bouts.
Stewart, on the other hand, has never had a serious bout but has participated in the odd session with Ryan.
“I don’t think Sam is going to take it lightly,” Stewart said.
“But it’s all a bit of fun.”
Stewart will step up for the 13th round against Soliman after 12 rounds against four amateurs prior. The proceeds of Sunday’s exhibition will go towards the Leila Rose Foundation.
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