Super League: Widnes Vikings' Phil Joseph granted permission to follow boxing dream

Widnes Vikings head coach Dennis Betts has given permission to prop-forward Phil Joseph to swap his rugby boots for boxing gloves and follow his dream of turning professional.

The 29-year-old has been allowed to throw himself back into full-time training in Salford under the expert tutelage of the world class Oliver’s Gym during the off season.

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

Joseph has stressed that playing for the Vikings remains his priority and that he promises to be in the ‘shape of his life’ ahead of the start of the 2015 Super League campaign.

Betts told the club’s official website: “I’ve given Phil permission to get involved in the boxing as we believe it will enhance his performances on the Rugby League field.

Passion

“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.”

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Joseph commended: “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 (Harrison) 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.”