WIDNES Vikings prop-forward Phil Joseph is swapping his rugby boots for boxing gloves as he takes the first steps to become a professional fighter under the expert tutelage of the world class Oliver’s Gym.

Joseph, 29, who has named himself the ‘Widnes Wrecking Ball’, will train under World Champion trainer Oliver Harrison, the stable which looks after St Helens born WBC World Silver Champion Martin Murray and WBA Inter-Continental Super Middleweight champion Rocky Fielding.

The Super League prop forward has used boxing to compliment his Rugby League training in the past and after a chance sparring session in Oliver’s Gym in Salford, the expert trainers have took Joseph under their wing and have given him a shot at turning professional after spotting ‘some real potential’.

So this pre-season Joseph has decided to throw himself back into full-time training in Salford after Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts gave him the all clear to pursue his boxing dream. Joseph will be conditioned by new Vikings’ Head of Strength and Conditioning Jon Clarke, who will monitor his progress.

The heavyweight forward will be back for pre-season training with the Vikings but will compliment his Rugby commitments by his work in Oliver’s Gym working with professional fighters.

Betts said: “I’ve given Phil permission to get involved in the boxing as we believe it will enhance his performances on the Rugby League field. Phil is passionate about boxing but understands that his priority lies with the Vikings and being involved in helping push the Club forward even more next season.”

Joseph, who will be updating Vikings fans of his boxing news as he embarks on this journey through a blog, said: “Denis is really supportive of this and he’s right behind me as he thinks it will enhance my strength and fitness capacity. Boxing is how I lost a lot of weight and it’s helped me be in the position I’m in as it got me in shape to have another go at Super League with Widnes.

“I must stress to the fans that my Rugby League is the priority and I’ll be doing everything in the pre-season as I normally would. I’ll be working with Oliver on the boxing technique on top of the Vikings training so by the time Super League comes round I’ll be in the shape of my life. Once the season starts again my boxing will be on the back burner but I’ll be returning to it as it’s something I enjoy.”

Oliver Harrison said: “Phil has got a lot of potential. I’m excited working with him. He’s 100% dedicated to be a professional fighter and that’s all I need. His Rugby League training will help him become a better fighter as he’s got plenty of strength and power but we’ll teach him the techniques and make sure he’s prepared. I’m hoping to have him boxing in a couple of months time. I’m not sure when he will be fighting, whether that be six weeks, two months or before Christmas. I’ll get him the right sparring partners and go from there but it’s exciting times ahead for Phil.”