He once famously described modern AFL as “piss weak”, and now retired Carlton and Brisbane Lions midfielder Mitch Robinson can be unveiled as the next target for a massive boxing crossover card.

Fox Sports Australia can confirm Robinson will be in Melbourne on Wednesday night for the hyped No Limit boxing show co-headlined by Joseph Parker and Nikita Tszyu.

Of most interest to the former Carlton and Brisbane Lions player however, will be the undercard bout between former AFL footballers Cameron Mooney and Tom Bellchambers.

While nothing has yet been signed off, Robinson sits among a shortlist of athletes that No Limit CEO George Rose wants to speak with about throwing down against the winner later this year.

With stars like Tyson Fury, Israel Adesanya, Tai Tuivasa and Alex Volkanovksi watching on ringside – watch heavyweights Joseph Parker v Faiga Opelu, the return of Nikita Tszyu plus former AFL stars Cameron Mooney and Tom Bellchambers in a pro-boxing debut. LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Wednesday 24 May 7PM AEST. ORDER NOW >

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIGHT NIGHT: Full card and more

While revered for his kamikaze playing style across 247 AFL games, the now 33-year-old also maintains a strong following thanks to his new life as a YouTuber and podcaster.

Another option would be for the winner of Wednesday night’s bout to take on one of several rugby league players in the No Limit stable – topped by incumbent NSW Origin prop Junior Paulo.

Other leaguies keen to fight at the back end of this year include Melbourne’s Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Roosters prop Matt Lodge and Siosiua Taukeiaho.

Regardless of who wins on Wednesday night, both men have said they would like to join the growing success of crossover boxing.

“I’m well aware there’s an opportunity for the winner of this fight – and I plan on winning,” Bellchambers said.

“I’ve been watching the NRL boys over the past five or six years and realise there is definitely opportunity there for more crossover fights.

“But first it’s up to Cam and I to prove we can throw them.

“Then whatever happens after that, happens.”

Mooney agreed, before adding that he also hopes the fight “opens the door” for AFL fighters past and present, like Robinson, to have a crack at prizefighting with No Limit.

“There are a lot of AFL boys who love boxing, a lot who do it for training, who spar,” Mooney said.

“So I hope this fight opens the door for them.

“With No Limit doing a lot of their shows in Sydney, it’s meant we’ve seen a lot of the NRL boys getting a start on cards while we miss out.

“So now with them coming down to Melbourne, it’s up to myself and Tommy to put on a decent show so that other players go ‘you know what, I wouldn’t mind doing that’.

“And I’d definitely like to get more AFL blokes doing it.

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“Guys like Dane Swan, I know he was keen to fight a few months ago.

“And Jake Melksham is really handy with the gloves on, too.

“I know there’s a lot of guys who will be watching, who will be coming on the night and seeing how it all guys.”

Asked his thoughts on fighting an NRL crossover athlete like Paulo, Mooney continued: “The future will be determined by Wednesday night.

“If it all goes well that sort of thing would excite me.

“But at the moment I really just want to get through this one.”

Asked how he plans to fight on Wednesday night, Mooney said he wanted to show what he has learned working with trainer Will Tomlinson.

“The one thing we’ve talked about is being smart,” he said.

“Not looking for the big bombs early.

“If something is there, it’s there, but otherwise use your jab, use the ring … I think I’m going to be fitter than him, so I’ll try to wear him out and get that shot later.

“Because very rarely do two guys who’ve never fought before go in there, throw big haymakers and land them.

“So I think it’s about smart boxing.

“Think defensively, move around.

“You have to be smart or you’ll wear yourself out.”

Regardless of who wins on Wednesday night, a showdown with Robinson would certainly make for compelling viewing.

Back in 2020, then Brisbane Lions wingman famously stated that while he preferred watching the modern game, it was “piss weak” compared to what took place in the 1980s.

“I’m playing in the wrong era,” Robinson said on his podcast Rip Through It.

“I reckon the old era was obviously the tougher one, and what we’re playing in now is piss-weak.

“Any person can play AFL now, you see kids running around at 70 kilos dominating the game, whereas back in the day they would’ve been on the stretcher by quarter-time.”