Boxing: Sonny Bill and Liava'a weigh in

Sonny Bill Williams is ready for his fight against Alipate Liava'a. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams wants to reach the pinnacle of the boxing world - but today he fights a 43-year-old sickness beneficiary.

The 25-year-old All Black star, who dreams of being heavyweight champion of the world, will take on Alipate Liava'a, who has been investigated by Work and Income after claiming tennis elbow was preventing him from finding work, but not from taking part in professional boxing.

Liava'a was visited by his Winz case manager on Friday to clarify the situation and they will meet again next week.

There was the usual mix of hype and trash talk at the weigh-in, with Liava'a claiming to be in the best shape of his life, despite his portly appearance, and Williams saying he was unconcerned about the perceived quality of his opponent.

"I just fight whoever they put in front of me," he said. "I'm trying to learn my trade and it is in the ring where it counts - it doesn't matter what you look like."