Australian opening Test batsman Justin Langer took on world flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan in a promotional bout on Monday and according to the boxer made a good fist of it.
Langer went two rounds with world flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan in trainer Jeff Fenech's Sydney gym.
Langer, 35, holds a black belt in the martial art Zen Du Kai and uses boxing as part of his regular fitness work in Perth.
"Inside the boxing ring it's the same as when you're playing Test cricket — nowhere to hide. You've got to face a lot of your own fears," Langer told reporters.
"If you punch someone properly it's like hitting the ball in the middle of the cricket bat — it's a really nice feeling," Langer said.
"I don't know if I got a couple in — I really enjoyed it."
Armenian-born Darchinyan, who defends his world title in Santa Ynez, California, next month, said he was very impressed with Langer's fitness and ring skills.
"I was quite surprised," Darchinyan said. "He can hold punch. I did not go very hard because he is not boxer, but is fit, I can see. He's not scared, coming forward. Not punching hard, but he's good."
{{/usCountry}}"I was quite surprised," Darchinyan said. "He can hold punch. I did not go very hard because he is not boxer, but is fit, I can see. He's not scared, coming forward. Not punching hard, but he's good."
{{/usCountry}}Afterwards Langer suggested the favour could be returned by having Darchinyan face Australia's express bowler Brett Lee in the nets some time — an offer the boxer politely declined.