Sonny Bill Williams has embarked on one of the most punishing training blocks of his celebrated sporting career in preparation for his seventh professional boxing bout next month.
Williams will headline the action at the inaugural Footy Show Fight Night in Sydney on January 31, with NSW State of Origin captain Paul Gallen, Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper, All Black Liam Messam and the Sydney Roosters’ young boxing powerhouse Willis Meehan all featuring on the undercard.
Unbeaten in six heavyweight contests since debuting in 2009, Williams will take on American Chauncy Welliver, a vastly experienced competitor and former New Zealand heavyweight champion.
It will be the dual international’s first fight since beating South African Frans Botha in a controversial 10-round encounter in February last year.
Williams, who returned to rugby after a successful two-year stint with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, is juggling his preparation for the fight with pre-season training with the Chiefs ahead of their 2015 Super Rugby opener in February.
The 29-year-old also became a father for the first time last month when his wife Alana gave birth to daughter Imaan while he was on duty with the All Blacks in Europe.
“It’s very torturous,” Williams said on Friday.
“It’s a pre-season but it’s not just a physical pre-season. It’s a mental one as well because you’ve got to brace yourself for what’s coming – a 70-fight veteran that you have to worry about.
“It’s not an easy task, but the pleasing thing is it probably hasn’t weighed on me as much because of everything that’s happening at home.”
Williams knows well that Welliver’s no mug.
Australia’s world top 10-ranked heavyweight Lucas Brown last month became one of the first fighters to stop the New Zealand-based boxer.
“I’m definitely not taking him lightly,” Williams said. “He’s just real durable.
“And he comes to fight too, so I’m going to have to work on my defence a lot more.
“That’s what I’m going to have to work on with Tony Mundine and hopefully all those little things I’ve been working on I can show in six weeks’ time.
“The pleasing thing this time is that I get to have a good prep, a lot of training.
“I can bank on that going into the fight so, if it does go into the later rounds and I cop some heavy punches, I’ll be able to handle it a lot easier than last time.”
Williams sounded out All Blacks coach Steve Hansen before committing to the fight being broadcast live on Channel Nine, with proceeds from the event at Allphones Arena going to charity.
“The major concern for myself was getting his approval,” Williams said.
“He said that as long as I don’t get knocked out, he’s happy with it.
“So hopefully that’s the plan.”
Organisers have yet to finalise opponents for cruiserweight Cooper, who is undefeated in his two fights, or heavyweight Gallen.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Oz boxing is a joke. Which is why Mundine just defeated a previously undefeated Rabchenko.
MK
Guest
OZ boxing is a joke .SBW and Botha case in point .Next opponent Welliver is 140kg with man boobs .Boxing is a serious sport .Here hoping SBW and QCooper Get there heads knock off cause you play rugby you don't play boxing .Boxing is not to dabble around.
soapit
Guest
they're beating up a lot of boxers though on their way
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
... and he invariably carries his gloves somewhere just north of his belly button. As a boxer Sonny Bill is one of the most exciting and talented rugby union naturals I have seen.
George
Guest
Dear Rugga Boys. This is not boxing, there isnt a boxer among them rugga bugga's. Its a Publicity stunt. With belts handed out afterwards for attendance LOL!
kunming tiger
Guest
Looking at the above photo of SBW throwing a right cross from a standard stance while dropping his left guard and sticking his chin out instead of tucking it in next to his shoulder. He is also over reaching due to the wrong positioning of the feet.
kunming tiger
Guest
My initial reaction was he was biting off more than he can chew. Maybe Welliver is on the wrong side of the hill. Even with the scorecards loaded in his favor he should be wary. As for Cooper as long as he's matched up with somebody his level he should get the nod.
mike
Guest
this seems like a mis-match. Welliver has way too much experience. Is SBW fighting such an opponent to force himself (out of fear of failure) to push himself to the limits during training? Either way, with all the stars fighting, i reckon it should be a cracking night on the telly...That Meehan kid should be interesting to watch. He seems like SBW times 2.
SandBox
Roar Guru
SBW should take a step back, and look at what his version of santa claus for adults has been doing lately
ROTUMA ISLAND
Guest
Money Bill should fight Anthony Joshua from the UK.