Sonny Bill Williams will return to the boxing ring early next year, with the All Blacks star set to fight Scott Lewis in a heavyweight bout in Newcastle.
Williams, who shone on the All Blacks’ undefeated grand slam tour of Britain and Ireland, will announce the full details of the fight on Wednesday but it is believed the bout will take place on January 29.
Lewis has more boxing pedigree than Williams’s previous two opponents, including a victory over Parramatta Eels recruit and former Queensland Origin player Carl Webb.
The fight comes just three weeks out from the start of the Super Rugby season but the former NRL star appears to have the backing of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Williams is reportedly allowed several fights during his 18-month contract with the NZRU.
Williams is not due back at training with the Crusaders until February 1st, allowing him a few days recovery before he starts preparing for his first season of Super Rugby.
