Boxing: Outrage at news of SBW bout

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams decision to step back into the boxing ring in a Rugby World Cup year has been met with outrage from former All Blacks.

Several former New Zealand coaches refused to be publicly quoted but all had concerns over the decision.

Former All Blacks second five Grahame Thorne says Williams is taking a massive risk.

Thorne says Williams could quite easily be hit with a massive lucky punch, suffer brain damage and never play rugby again.

The fight will go ahead with the NZRU's blessing.

Williams, who made his test debut on the All Blacks recent end of year tour, will fight on January 29 against forklift driver Scott Lewis in Newcastle, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Williams will hold a press conference today in Sydney to officially announce the fight.

Lewis, who has a career record of three wins and four losses, knocked out former league player Carl Webb in January.

Williams' Super 15 franchise the Crusaders play a pre-season match against the Queensland Reds in Cairns on the same night as his fight.

However All Blacks who took part in the Grand Slam tour are not set to rejoin their squads until the first week of February.

- NEWSTALK ZB/HERALD STAFF