Sonny Bill Williams boxing shock

[ozbash]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/4457006/Sonny-Bill-Williams-boxing-shock



In a move to shock the rugby world, All Blacks sensation Sonny Bill Williams is set to announce that he is stepping into the boxing ring for his third professional fight.
The fight is believed to be taking place in 2011 just months before the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September.
Meanwhile the New Zealand Rugby Union is not commenting on the potential controversy until they hear anything official from the Williams camp.
A spokesman said today the union would only be commenting on the subject "if and when any announcement on future fights for Sonny Bill is made by his management".
Williams, who controversially walked out on the Bulldogs rugby league club in 2008, will hold a press conference tomorrow at Tony Mundine's Redfern gymnasium to outline details of the upcoming bout.
Also in attendance will be Williams close friend, Anthony Mundine, who last week suffered his first loss to an Australian opponent when knocked out for just the second time in his career by Garth Wood.
Williams has twice previously fought on the undercards of Mundine's KO To Drugs events.
His most recent bout was on June 30 in Brisbane, just before turning down a $2 million per season offer to remain with French Top 14 rugby club Toulon to sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
After making his Test debut against England on the All Blacks recent end-of-season tour to Europe, the 25-year-old dual international is considered a certainty for next year's Rugby World Cup being staged in New Zealand and many are tipping him to be the star of the tournament.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Nothing for Rugby fans to worry about it will all be arranged for him to fight some bum who couldn't knock over a geriatric and he'll win in the first round.

 

[Tommy Smith]

LOL You're not wrong. Did you see his last opponent?

Looked like a Biggest Loser Contestant.

Very embarrassing.

 

[the_flight_of_the_magpie]

Why doesnt SBW take on Lucas Brown?

 

[shiznit]

good on him i suppose... but hes hardly cemented in the all blacks team.

its abit of a risk for him if he doesnt have a strong super15.

i dont know if id want to give blokes like Robbie Fruen a leg up.

 

[ozbash]

All Black Sonny Bill Williams will fight Scott Lewis in Newcastle, Australia on January 29.
The bout has been approved under his agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
The 35-year-old Lewis fought NRL star Carl Webb last January, knocking him out.
This will be Williams' third fight.
The fight clashes with the Crusaders' opening preseason match, however as a current All Black Williams is not due back into Super Rugby camp until February 1.
NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said: "It was agreed with Sonny Bill as part of his contract with the NZRU that he would be able to undertake professional boxing fights and we are comfortable with the timing of this event."
Sorensen added that Williams had experience as a professional boxer prior to signing with New Zealand rugby and was working with a professional boxing team to prepare for his fight, the third of his professional boxing career.
"We are comfortable that his boxing training regime and the bout itself won't impact on his preparations for the Super Rugby season with the Crusaders and he will re-join the Crusaders squad for pre-season training again after the fight."
Williams joined New Zealand rugby from France this year, doing enough with Canterbury to earn an All Blacks callup.
He will be trained by Australian boxer Anthony Mundine for the fight.
Lewis has had seven professional fights, winning three and losing four by knock out.
He has fought three times this year and certainly represents a step up in class for Williams.
At the fight announcement in Sydney today Williams told Nine News that boxing helps with his angles and footwork for rugby.
"When I started boxing I've grown as a player on the field, and that's hugely due to the fact that I've been boxing off it," Williams said.
"It helps me and my sport, it gives me that edge."
Heavyweight Lewis is a forklift driver who brought a quick end to the pro debut of Webb, a former Queensland Golden Gloves champion.
Williams' clash with Lewis will headline the fight night, hence Mundine's presence in his corner.
Mundine today said Williams was making progress with his boxing and this next fight was a good opportunity.
"It's going to sharpen him up and challenge him to reach new heights. He's come a long way messing around sparring, hands flapping," Mundine said.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/4461018/Sonny-Bill-Williams-boxing-opponent-confirmed