Quade Cooper has won his second professional boxing bout with Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie ringside at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, knocking out his 40-year-old opponent in the fourth round.

Cooper was more poised than on debut 12 months ago, when he floored insurance agent Barry Dunnett inside the first round, showing a much improved jab and defence before knocking down Warren Tresidder shortly after the Newcastle-based martial arts veteran had emerged from his corner for the final round. . "He's got a good chin on him," Cooper said of his latest opponent.

"I had to step it up. I've definitely been working on getting the guard up and everything does come from the jab I've been improving."

Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver has hinted that Cooper's intention to continue his boxing career might be a bone of contention when the playmaker's national contract comes up for renewal later this year. Bu the presence of McKenzie, Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham and the entire Reds squad ringside on Wednesday suggests his dual careers are less contentious among his peers.

Reds and Wallabies team-mate Will Genia said also that he had seen the advantage of boxing for Cooper.

"Quade is in the best shape he's been," Genia said. "He has a love and passion for boxing. He has found a way to balance both at the moment and boxing has given him more confidence."

Former Wallabies captain George Gregan also sees the benefits of Cooper's continuing boxing ambitions. "Mixed training is good for different reasons. It adds variety which you have to have. It's stimulating."

Well done to the man @QuadeCooper on his victory! Geez I was nervous for him haha pic.twitter.com/rt7HTYviCh

— Ben Tapuai (@bentapuai) January 29, 2014