Share

SBW v Botha - in Brisbane

Cape Town - Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed the date and venue for his fight against South Africa's Francois Botha.

According to the Stuff.co.nz website, Williams, 27, will fight Botha in Brisbane on November 24, after speculation the bout would take place in Durban.

Botha has 48 wins and eight losses - two of those defeats coming in world title fights against Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko - but at 44, the "White Buffalo" is well past his prime.

The former champion has taken shots from some of the best - Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, just to name a few - and, for that reason, he feels the Kiwi rugby/league star is not in his league.

"He's going to have a rude awakening but it will make him a better fighter in the future," Botha said last week.

"Sonny Bill Williams might be a good rugby player but I don't see him as a good boxer. He doesn't belong in the boxing ring. He should go play rugby.

"He's just starting out his career. He's taking a big step up. It's a big risk."

Williams is currently playing his rugby in Japan, after which he is expected to return to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters in 2013.

Since 2009 he has boxed five times, winning all five of his heavyweight bouts. He is the current New Zealand Professional Boxing Association (NZPBA) Heavyweight champion.
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% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 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