AFL Greats Shine in Unsanctioned Boxing Event: Rocca Knocks Out McKernan, Brown Dominates Cornes
In a night filled with surprises and hard-hitting action, the unofficial launch of the AFL’s Gather Round saw eight AFL greats step into the boxing ring for the first time. The event, not sanctioned by the league, provided plenty of entertainment as former players showcased their skills in the squared circle.
The highlight of the evening came when AFL legend Anthony Rocca caught Corey McKernan napping with a big left hand in the first round. The 46-year-old Collingwood great put McKernan down, leading to a TKO victory in the second round. Despite the intense competition, Rocca showed sportsmanship by holding McKernan up after the knockout, earning praise for his classy act.
Another standout performance came from Nathan Brown, who taught Kane Cornes a lesson in the ring. The former Western Bulldogs star dominated the fight, landing strong punches and ultimately claiming a unanimous decision victory. Despite the rivalry between the two fighters, Brown showed respect for Cornes after the fight, acknowledging his courage to step into the ring.
In other matches, Dane Swan impressed with his technical ability, defeating Dale Thomas in a unanimous decision. Mitch Robinson stunned Kayne Pettifer with a brutal display, handing him his first professional boxing loss. Jack Brubaker won an absolute war against In Duck Seo, showcasing his resilience and skill in the ring.
Overall, the night was filled with thrilling fights and unexpected outcomes, showcasing the determination and talent of these AFL greats outside of the football field. The event proved to be a success, providing fans with a unique and exciting experience as they watched their favorite players battle it out in the boxing ring.
