16 Dec 2010

NZRU okay with SBW boxing

3:57 pm on 16 December 2010

The All Black Sonny Bill Williams believes fighting in a boxing bout less than a month before the start of next year's Super rugby season will make him a better player.

The controversial former National Rugby League player has confirmed he'll fight Sydney forklift driver Scott Lewis in Newcastle on January the 29th in what will be his third professional bout.

While Williams' New Zealand rugby union contract allows him to box, Williams says he's still dedicated to making New All Blacks world cup squad and the fight is the best way he can think of to keep in shape over the summer.

The NZRU's general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorenson admits there a risk Williams could get injured but allowing him to box was a key part of his contract when he signed with the union rather than staying with French club Toulon.