1 Nov 2012

Sonny Bill's bout delayed following surgery

11:21 am on 1 November 2012

Sonny Bill Williams' boxing bout against the South African veteran Francois Botha has been postponed until next year.

The bout was due to take place in Brisbane on the 24th of this month, but Williams has revealed he had surgery on Wednesday on a chest injury suffered recently in a rugby match in Japan.

The fight's promoters say a firm date for the rescheduled bout would be worked out after they meet Australian TV broadcasters.

Williams' Japanese rugby club have said they've been discussing a rehabilitation schedule, but they weren't sure when their star signing would return to Japan.

His contract runs until the end of January, but it's been suggested he'll be out of action for at least two months.

Meanwhile Williams' mooted league deal with the Sydney Roosters might still eventuate, but his untimely injury could further complicate negotiations that have been bubbling away for months.