Share

Botha gets Williams rematch

Cape Town - South African heavyweight Francois Botha will get a second go in the boxing ring against former All Black rugby star Sonny Bill Williams.

According to the Rapport website, Botha and Williams have agreed to a rematch in December in South Africa.

This comes after Williams defeated the 44-year-old Botha in Brisbane, Australia on February 8. The fight was marred in controversy when it ended with Williams receiving a unanimous points decision. But the fight ended after 10 rounds, instead of 12, as per World Boxing Association (WBA) rules and as had been advertised.

Botha was furious with officials after the decision was made to shorten the bout, with the 44-year-old looking to have worn out Williams by the end of the 10th."You know I love Sonny Bill, I think he's a great guy, a gentleman, but this was bullshit," the 115kg "White Buffalo" said after the fight.

Botha's boxing promoter, Thinus Strydom, said he and Williams's agent, Khoder Nasser, agreed to a rematch at 07:00 on Wednesday morning.

"Nasser phone me early and agreed on a fight in South Africa," said Strydom.

"They do however have a few pre-conditions, like sending samples three months prior to the fight as well as directly after the fight for dope tests. We don't have an issue with that." Reports from New Zealand and Australia claimed after the first fight that Botha had tested positive for banned substances, but the South African tested negative upon his return to the country.

Strydom confirmed the fight will take place sometime in December. "Out of principle we decided on December and we must now get a suitable date with the TV companies before signing the final contract."

Strydom also assured that this time the fight will be decided over 12 rounds - as stipulated by WBA rules.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Should the Botha-Williams rematch take place? Or was the first fight an embarrassment for the image of professional boxing? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1163 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1359 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2069 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE