Rugby World Cup winner Williams grew to become Fury and Parker’s sparring accomplice

Former New Zealand worldwide Sonny Bill Williams is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, who now plys his commerce within the skilled boxing ranks. The Kiwi puncher has ten bouts below his belt (9-1) and is a sparring accomplice for lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former WBO title-holder Joseph Parker.

The 38-year-old retired from rugby in 2021 following a formidable profession in league and union. Williams earned worldwide call-ups in each sports activities however established his title as a centre within the latter.

The 243lb colossus picked up 58 caps for New Zealand and gained consecutive World Cups with the All-Blacks in 2011 and 2015. However, his aggressive edge saved him craving for extra.

While out in France taking part in for Toulon, he took up boxing, initially as a manner of protecting match in the course of the low season, however shortly fell in love with the game. In 2009, he stepped between ropes as knowledgeable for the primary time on his shut good friend Anthony Mundine’s undercard, beating fellow debutant Gary Gurr inside two rounds.

From right here, Williams was hooked and continued combating all through his rugby profession. In 2012, he stopped Clarence Tillman to grow to be New Zealand’s heavyweight champion in solely his fifth skilled outing.

He then adopted this up with a ten-round resolution victory over former world title challenger Francois Botha to earn a rating with the World Boxing Association (WBA) in addition to one among their many trinkets, the WBA International strap.

When he retired from rugby for good in 2021, he turned his full consideration to boxing and travelled right down to Morecambe Bay to spar with Fury and Parker in preparation for his combat with Barry Hall final yr. A win there elevated him right into a blockbuster showdown with MMA and kickboxing legend Mark Hunt.

Despite a vibrant begin, Williams would in the end be out-gunned by his veteran foe as he succumbed to a devastating fourth-round knockout loss that marked his first defeat within the sport. Williams has not fought since however has expressed his want to proceed competing. No future date nor opponent has been disclosed as of but.