Murupara boxers Roxaine Duff and Aroha Sorenson are to be Sonny Bill Williams' special guests when he fights American Clarence Tillman on Wednesday.
The two teenage fighters have had a whirlwind last couple of months. Roxaine and Aroha returned from Serbia with a silver and bronze medal respectively, after competing last month at the International Age Group Boxing Tournament for New Zealand.
Roxaine and Aroha have only been boxing for just over a year. Both girls credit their boxing for giving them a better life and leading them away from drugs and alcohol. Before their trip, the pair got the opportunity to meet Sonny Bill face to face. The All Black and boxing star was so inspired by their story, his boxing camp contacted The Daily Post, requesting the girls be his special guest when he fights for the New Zealand heavyweight title.
For Williams, the fight against Tillman is a significant step up from his last opponent, sickness beneficiary and gospel singer Alipate Liava'a.
Wednesday night's bout in Hamilton is only the fifth of his fledgling career and, given Tillman is preparing for his 23rd fight and has sparred with the likes of Evander Holyfield and Chris Byrd, it should be a true test for the 26-year-old.
Despite Tillman, 34, having more experience, Roxaine said she was confident SBW had the skills and heart to come out on top of his older and heavier opponent.
"It's all up to [SBW] really. If he has done the training and worked hard he can do it. He's just got to believe in himself and listen to his coaches."
Roxaine and Aroha, who is currently away on holiday, will be joined by their boxing coaches Aaron Warren and Lee Edmond. Both men agreed with Roxaine's assessment.
"It's a good test for [SBW] especially an American fighter. In America professional boxing is at the top level. So this opponent will be no slouch. I think he can win it on points if he sticks to his game plan," Warren said.
Edmonds said he wasn't too concerned if SBW didn't knock out Tillman.
"The crowd always applauds a knockout. That's what everybody goes there for. But I believe if Sonny wants to get the best out of what he is doing, I actually hope it goes the full distance."
It was important for Williams to win the fight, Warren said because it would give the rugby star some much deserved respectability within boxing circles.
"I think because the other guy is from America, he is a totally different kettle of fish. So if he knocks the guy out, all the promoters will get [excited] and say 'well, Sonny Bill might just deserve to jump a couple of scales up the rankings', because it's all about rankings in professional boxing."