By Duncan Johnstone

Eketahuna shepherd Lance Bryant, who forged an impressive record as an amateur boxer, is making a belated run at the professional ranks.

A four-time New Zealand champion, the 33-year-old has signed on for Sky TV's Super 8 last man standing tournament that will be fought in the cruiserweight division on November 22 in Auckland.

Bryant fashioned a reputation as a feared puncher in his amateur prime.

He knocked out New Zealand-born Australian Olympic quarterfinalist Adam Forsyth (now 10-0 as a pro), Australian 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Brad Pitt (15-1-0 professionally) and narrowly lost via split decision to Shane Cameron.

A young family meant he decided against taking the professional route and he hung up his gloves as a 26-year-old in 2006 and stuck with the farm, also playing rugby, where he represented Wairarapa Bush.

"If your head isn't 100 per cent focused, boxing is a sport where you can get hurt. For me my family was my top priority. Fighting is a selfish sport but it wasn't giving me anything back," Bryant said.

"But things are different now I'm in the prime of my physical life and ready to lace up the gloves once again and have a crack at the Super 8."

Bryant has already had three fights as a pro this year, winning them all with two knockouts.

It's that punching ability that will make him dangerous in the quick-fire format of the Super 8 tournament that is fought in an elimination system over three rounds.

His coach Paul McSharry certainly believes Bryant can make an impact.

"Over longer duration, Lance's time out of the sport might count against him, but three rounds sprints are tailor made for Lance's pure punching power," McSharry said.

"When he was 16, I remember telling him he had a gift and not to waste it, 16 years later Super 8 is providing him with the platform to see that come to fruition."

Depending on the draw and how the night pans out, Bryant may even get a rematch with Pitt who is in the tournament

Other boxers confirmed are Australian No 3 Daniel Ammann, Australian No 6 Anthony McCracken and David Tua-trained New Zealand champion Monty Filimaea.