Cooper believes his boxing training has not only improved his fitness and ability as a rugby player but given him stability and discipline off the park. He rates his time spent in the gym as a key part of his new approach to life and sport.

He believes there can be room for both pursuits and it would appear boxing isn't going away, with Cooper becoming increasingly dedicated to the sport and serious in his ambition as a pro fighter.

“I have a great passion and love for the sport. It's not interfering in my rugby and I won't let it. I love doing both. I won't let either one come in the way of the other,” Cooper said before the public weigh-in on Tuesday.

“I still haven't had a chat with Bill [Pulver], but after everything is out of the way I'm sure we'll be able to sit down and chat about the future. I'm looking forward to that. Right now, I'm just looking forward to this fight.

“I'd love to continue to do it and I will continue to do it. I don't want to get too far ahead. A lot of people have spoken about my potential in the sport but potential is one thing, doing it's another.