Valuable Richmond small forward Jake King is tracking well following post-season surgery and preparing for a big pre-season.

As part of his preparation, King took on Australian world middleweight boxing No. 1 contender Sam Soliman in a special fitness challenge, which took place in the ME Bank Centre gym.

The pair sparred in the boxing ring and went head-to-head in a spirited push-up contest.

Soliman, who turned 40 last week, is training for his fight with rising Queensland boxer Les Sherrington, to be held at the Pavilion in Melbourne on Wednesday, December 11.

He has taken the Richmond players through boxing sessions for the past seven years and rates King, along with the recently-retired Shane Tuck, as the Club’s two best pugilistic prospects.

“Sam comes down and helps the boys out as much as he can and, because of the fitness side of things, the boys try and go one round each with him,” King said.

“He’s been outstanding for the boys and, hopefully, we can show our support for him come mid-December when he fights.”

Following Richmond’s elimination final loss to Carlton, King underwent foot and shoulder surgery, but he’s making good progress on the path back to peak fitness . . .

“They (the foot and shoulder) are coming along nicely – I’ve got no complaints with them,” King said.

“I’m running and, obviously, I’m able to do a bit of boxing, so we should be right.”