Sonny-Bill Williams has announced that he will be training with heavyweight champion Tyson Fury as he steps up preparations for his fight against AFL legend Barry Hall in March.
The former All-Black is preparing a return to the ring after ending his first stint as a professional fighter undefeated in 2015 before winning the Rugby World Cup later that year.
Williams, 36 has confirmed that he'll be travelling over to the UK to train with Fury's camp after an invitation following a fight in June 2021 which he won by unanimous decision against Waikato Falefehi.
“Starting with tonight I'm flying out to the UK. I've been invited by Joe Parker and Tyson Fury to do some training with him over there,” Williams told Stuff.
“When that opportunity arose I couldn't say no, just to learn from the best. It shows my commitment to this sport, and this fight.”
Williams' first stint as a fighter culminated with him winning the WBA International Heavyweight title after beating South African Francois Botha in 2013, two years before he won the Rugby World Cup in England with the All Blacks.
The legendary centre has won all eight of his professional fights since taking up the sport in 2009 and, at 36, can fight for a few years to come.
Williams joins compatriot Joseph Parker in Fury's camp and will be undergoing the best possible preparation for his fight against former All-Australian AFL player Barry Hall, one of the sport's best players of the modern era.
“Ever since I seen [Williams] fight I thought I can bear that guy, and that's certainly gonna happen,” Hall said.
“He's a huge name I know that but muscles don't win you fights. Sonny Boy has made a mistake in taking this fight, I intend to finish his boxing career and open up bigger fight opportunities for myself.”
