Our Queen of the mornings is bringing the ruckus at Burger King Fight for Life, going down July 21.
Tegan and Rugby League and Union legend Honey Hireme-Smiler have agreed to throw down in the name of charity, while George FM larrikin Tammy ‘The Tornado’ Davis will have to walk his talk with Rock jock, Jay Reeve.
The women’s bout is compelling, both as a competitive spectacle, and for the personal stories each bring to the squared circle.
Both women are passionate advocates of many social issues, and despite coming from different generations, they represent Maoridom in their own unique styles and are eager to give back to the community through this charity event.
The 2020 Best New Broadcaster’s contagious vulnerability on radio and willingness to speak out on important social issues including her own mental health struggles, have endeared her to the New Zealand public and proven a major motivation to embrace the Fight for Life challenge.
“I’m really excited to be a part of Fight for Life, the amazing kaupapa it’s supporting in mental health and suicide prevention, and the challenge it’s presenting for me personally.
“This is my first time in the ring and I cannot wait to see what I can do and to face off with a legend like Honey. A radio sh*t-talker versus a cross-code queen! I’m so ready for it.”
Hireme-Smiler, affectionately known as “Honey Bill” was once described as “a jaw-dropping package of terrifying physical force and relentless competitiveness” during her 20-year career with the Black Ferns, Kiwi Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.
The NZ Order of Merit appointee now works for the Halberg Foundation and as a Sky Sports presenter. As one of our few openly gay athletes, she and wife Rochelle, are facing an incredibly tough challenge as Rochelle has terminal cancer.
Hireme-Smiler’s participation in this event is literally a fight for life for her wife Rochelle and their three children and she is adamant nothing will stop her.
“I’m passionate about supporting the I Am Hope charity. Mental health continues to affect so many people.
“For me personally, my mental well-being has been under huge pressure in the past six months with my wife’s terminal illness and as a whanau, we want to show we can fight this illness together.
“It’s a real privilege to be involved, I’ve never boxed before and this is a new challenge for me. The preparation and training has been demanding and very different compared to training for rugby or league.”
So let's make sure we get behind our girl for her big fight!
