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Wellsford-raised former All Black Rene Ranger made his professional boxing debut, losing to former league player Manu Vatuvei.
The fight took place at Eventfinda Stadium on the North Shore, where Ranger was defeated by technical knockout in the first round.
Ranger is well known for his career with Northland, making more than 100 appearances for the team, as well as earning six caps for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2013.
Speaking after the fight, Ranger said that despite taking three or four blows to the head, it was the referee’s decision to stop the bout and there was not much he could do about it.
“I kind of wish I had committed more to some of my punches, but my opponent was tall. He deserves all the credit and he won fair and square,” Ranger said.
