Sonny Bill Williams locked in for next fight

By: Andy Rowe | Other Sports News | Tuesday October 23 2012 7:05

Sonny Bill Williams has been locked in to fight South African heavyweight Francois Botha next month.

The fight will take place in Brisbane on November 24.

Williams says fighting Botha will be a huge step up in class.

"He's been in there with all the greats. For me, it's a privilege to be able to step in the ring with him. The thing that adds a bit of spice to it is because of the whole All Black/South Africa factor involved."

"I know it's a big risk jumping in the ring with someone that's had so much experience but for me, I have to try and take risks to improve myself as a boxer and this is definitely the way to go I guess."

He says Botha's experience as a boxer and his own profile as an All Black will spike interest.

"He's been involved with some massive fights ... This fight will get a few extra followers just because of the whole rugby thing, so that's what will make this fight so special."

Botha has 48 wins and eight losses - two of those defeats coming in world title fights against Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.

Botha has also had losses against boxing greats Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

Williams says he wants to get into the heavyweight rankings and one day be fighting for a world title.

"I'm pretty proud of myself the way I've gone. Probably from at the start where it was just more exhibition to taking it pretty serious now. I think the way things are going, I'd just like to keep learning."

Williams says at some stage he wants to take up boxing full time for a couple of years.

Related Subjects

Boxing | SBW | Sonny Bill Williams | Francois Botha |