BoxRec

Willis Meehan released by Manly Sea Eagles

Trouble-prone New Zealand-born Willis Meehan has been released from his NRL contract with Manly to pursue a career in boxing.

Meehan - the son of prominent former New Zealand heavyweight boxer Kali Meehan - was thrown a career lifeline by the Sea Eagles midway through last year after being sacked by the Sydney Roosters for a string of violent incidents.

He had not been cleared by the NRL to resume playing first grade and on Tuesday, Manly announced the 21-year-old - who played one NRL game with the Roosters in 2014 - would quit the sport to concentrate on boxing.

"It was decided it was in the best interest of all concerned that Willis made a commitment to one sport,'' Manly football operations manager Gareth Holmes said.

"With the time needed in an NRL full-time squad, Willis chose to go in a different direction and we wish him well in his endeavours."

Meehan has a 5-0 professional boxing record.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/88738473/.html

I assume he is training full time for boxing then.

where and who with does he train?

Good luck to him. Hopefully he makes a go of it and we have a good heavy to cheer for in the future.

Not completely suprised as Manly have well and truly cleaned house this season..... if he does give up footy it would be great to see him have an honest crack at boxing.... i think he's shown good potential.... will be interesting to see if he has the discipline and composure as he steps up in competition....

Obviously his father would be an invaluable asset esp in tje management of his career...

Meehan has looked impressive in his 5 fights. But the level of opposition has been pretty terrible.

Like a Boss wrote:Meehan has looked impressive in his 5 fights. But the level of opposition has been pretty terrible.

Exactly.... but as a part time novice, being used as a drawcard.... it was somewhat expected....

Dropping his hands and showboating hopefully wont become habit as he steps up in competition.... i dont think he can rely on his power to win fights in the future..... on the plus side he has good movement and instinct.... good accuracy.... with good cardio and experience he could prove himself a handful.....

There are some talented young HWs popping up in this region.... and while not everyone can be a world beater..... i feel Parker is laying the foundation and setting the bar for some of these guys in the future to move up in the sport...