Greystache
10-03-2011, 04:07 AM
http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2011/03/09/1226018/673388-barry-hall.jpg
BARRY Hall has not given up on a career in boxing despite the success of his football comeback.
The veteran full-forward is acutely aware this AFL season could be his last and the lure of life in the ring remains strong.
While his focus this year is to spearhead Western Bulldogs to a premiership, Hall knows his opportunity to enter the fight game is closing fast.
"I'm aware I'm 34, so the window is pretty small at this stage, but I certainly haven't discounted it, that's for sure," Hall said.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Hall's future will hinge on three key factors: his form, the Bulldogs' fortunes and the strength of likely offers from outside the AFL.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade hopes Hall will play on next year, but Hall has conceded the end could come quickly.
"You see a lot of really good players go downhill in a couple of months, so I'm totally aware of that," Hall said.
"They might decide they need to rebuild. Out with the old, in with the new.
"It's a decision the footy club will make and I totally understand that stuff."
Boxing promoters swarmed around Hall when he quit Sydney in 2009, with some branding him a potential $10 million man in the ring.
Despite his age, the promoters no doubt will come again as Hall nears the end of his contract with the Bulldogs.
Asked how long he had to make an impact in boxing, Hall said it was difficult to stipulate an age limit.
"You can't put a number on it. You see guys who can fight at 40 and some who can't and I don't know whether I can or not."
Hall remains in prime physical shape after kicking 80 goals and winning All-Australian representation last year.
Boxing experts believe he could still smoothly make the switch, but before that he is intent on having major impact with the Dogs again this season.
Hall, who has completed every pre-season since 1995, has eased up on the running load this summer, but his pace of the mark and touch remain intact.
"That's all stayed, thank God," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/barry-hall-keen-to-learn-new-tricks-after-football/story-e6frf9jf-1226018673975
BARRY Hall has not given up on a career in boxing despite the success of his football comeback.
The veteran full-forward is acutely aware this AFL season could be his last and the lure of life in the ring remains strong.
While his focus this year is to spearhead Western Bulldogs to a premiership, Hall knows his opportunity to enter the fight game is closing fast.
"I'm aware I'm 34, so the window is pretty small at this stage, but I certainly haven't discounted it, that's for sure," Hall said.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Hall's future will hinge on three key factors: his form, the Bulldogs' fortunes and the strength of likely offers from outside the AFL.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade hopes Hall will play on next year, but Hall has conceded the end could come quickly.
"You see a lot of really good players go downhill in a couple of months, so I'm totally aware of that," Hall said.
"They might decide they need to rebuild. Out with the old, in with the new.
"It's a decision the footy club will make and I totally understand that stuff."
Boxing promoters swarmed around Hall when he quit Sydney in 2009, with some branding him a potential $10 million man in the ring.
Despite his age, the promoters no doubt will come again as Hall nears the end of his contract with the Bulldogs.
Asked how long he had to make an impact in boxing, Hall said it was difficult to stipulate an age limit.
"You can't put a number on it. You see guys who can fight at 40 and some who can't and I don't know whether I can or not."
Hall remains in prime physical shape after kicking 80 goals and winning All-Australian representation last year.
Boxing experts believe he could still smoothly make the switch, but before that he is intent on having major impact with the Dogs again this season.
Hall, who has completed every pre-season since 1995, has eased up on the running load this summer, but his pace of the mark and touch remain intact.
"That's all stayed, thank God," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/barry-hall-keen-to-learn-new-tricks-after-football/story-e6frf9jf-1226018673975