All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu has today officially withdrawn from the Fight for Life but will star as the ambassador for the charity boxing event.
The announcement came as organisers revealed the much-anticipated match-ups for the 2011 Fight for Life. The Fight for Life In Association will be a battle of the codes.
But given Lomu's health battles after his transplanted kidney failed, wife and manager, Nadene decided to withdraw him from the ring and instead promote the event as the official Fight for Life Ambassador.
Lonergan said: "Jonah will have an active role in helping to drive the event over the next few weeks as well on the night at the venue.
"Jonah and his manager, Nadene have been excellent to work with. It would have been great if he was a part of the action on December 3 but clearly his health must come first.
"The big guy knows that there will always been a place for him in Fight for Life events in the future so we're delighted to have him in the Ambassador role.
"We couldn't have wished for anyone better to represent all of the values Fight for Life is about.''
Amy – Welcome to a new chapter in your life! It is the most chelganling and rewarding chapter that you will encounter! I can’t wait to see how this chapter unfolds and know that you too are going to make wonderful, beautiful parents. Congratulations and welcome to parenthood!