Sonny Bill Williams vs Francois Botha preview

Sonny Bill Williams will be relishing at the chance to prove himself against a former heavyweight boxing champion, while Francois Botha will be looking for some redemption himself.

The two fighters, on very different parts of their respective careers, will go head-to-head in Brisbane on Friday, 8 February 2013.

Botha currently sits on 60 career fights, some of them up with the greats, such as Mike Tyson, Wladimir Klitchko and Lennox Lewis. On the other hand, there is Williams, who has just five career fights to his name, but remains unbeaten.

Williams, now 27, is looking to prove to himself and the boxing community that his boxing career is not a sideshow to his acclaimed achievements in both rugby league and union.

“I can see myself doing boxing full-time in the future, but for that to come to fruition I need to fight guys like this and beat them, otherwise it’s a waste of time,” said Williams.

The All Black is fully aware of how important the fight will be for his career.

“Some boxers go their whole lives building a record until people want to watch them. I’ve had to jump really quickly. This fight will be defining. It will tell me if I can keep going.”

Williams’ challenger, Botha, known as the White Buffalo, is confident that his experience and his opponent’s lack of experience will be the defining factor in the fight.

“I’ll drag him into deep water and let him drown. He’s never fought a guy like me, it’s stupid. Sonny should have fought my son, my son would kick his butt and he’s not even a professional,” said the 44-year old.

The two will face-off in Brisbane, with the fight being broadcast live on SuperSport 5 from 10:00. Australian fly-half Quade Cooper will fight the undercard bout against Barry Dunnett.

Who’s your money on?

Source: Sydney Morning Herald