Hollioake trades batting gloves for boxing gloves

Former England ODI captain Adam Hollioake, who played his last first-class match in 2004, is now getting ready for another fight. In fact, he is embarking on a new career in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). His opening fight takes place in Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia on May 5.

"I think a lot of people are wondering why I'm doing it. It's something I've loved from a young age. It's a strange thing to actually like, (but) I've always had a love for fighting, not in a thug kind of way, but more in the arts and skills and all the other mental aspects that are involved. It seems a strange thing to go from cricket to fighting, but it's something that I actually enjoy," he told The Mirror.

Hollioake has been working on his skills in boxing, muay thai, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Even though he is trading his cricket bat for a pair of 4 oz gloves, he might surprise his opponents with his footwork, hooks and uppercuts.