Boxing: Sonny Bill has a fight on his hands

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams has rejected suggestions he is in for an easy ride when he returns to the ring on Sunday, saying he lacked the boxing experience of his opponent.

With the Crusaders having a Super rugby bye this weekend, Williams will fight Tongan gospel singer Alipate Liava'a in Auckland in a six-round heavyweight contest in aid of Christchurch earthquake relief.

The four-test All Black will have a height and reach advantage over his opponent and, at 25, is 18 years younger.

Williams said today that a lot of people "have had a crack at me"because of Liava'a's age.

But, as he sat flanked by two established names in the boxing game, he said he knew where his place was.

"I'm no David Tua, I'm no Anthony Mundane," he told journalists.

"I've had only three fights, I had no amateur record.

"He's had 11 fights, He's had more experience than me. He's been doing it for a while, so it's definitely a tough fight for myself."

Liava'a has warned that he intends to throw some big shots at his opponent and Williams didn't discount the possibility of being knocked down if he was off guard.

"I think in the heavyweight division, if anyone lands a punch on your chin, you're going to drop," he said.

"I've prepared as best as I could under the circumstances," he added, in reference to juggling rugby with boxing training.

Williams split the webbing of a hand during the Crusaders' loss to the Queensland Reds last Sunday and spent time in the blood bin.

Asked about the injury, he said the hand was "good enough".

Williams had a light workout with Mundane in a downtown gym this morning, and Tua, in his street clothes, joined in briefly.

Mundane, who has won world titles in the super middleweight and middleweight divisions, will fight American Xavier Toliver in a 10-round light middleweight contest that will be the main event at Trusts Stadium.

Williams and Liava'a will be the main support bout.

Williams said having Tua, a fellow Samoan, drop by gave him motivation to train harder.

"It just puts a smile on my face," he said.

"I've always admired him and watched him. I'm a proud Samoan and they come no bigger in the islands than David."

Meanwhile, Williams said he had not yet made a decision about his rugby future beyond the World Cup.

He said he would probably wait until after the Super 15 competition ended before assessing his options.

Tua described Williams as an "awesome athlete" and believed he had the goods to get past Liava'a.

"It's a great opportunity for Alipate, but Sonny has prepared well for this fight," he said.

"I'm sure he's going to go out and give his best and do the business."

- NZPA