Update: 5:10PM Sonny Bill Williams’ master plan goes like this.
Gain victory over awkward American journeyman Chauncy Welliver to restore his boxing credibility this month.
Win a second title with the Chiefs; play a significant role in defending the World Cup and box at least once more at the end of the year before chasing Olympic gold with the sevens team in 2016.
Continual success allows Williams to juggle such extensive endeavours. A loss against Welliver on the Footy Show Fight Night on January 31 in Sydney will, however, force a re-think of those future boxing plans.
After six pro fights, the last of which came with serious controversy, Williams realises he is no world title contender.
But for a bloke that had no amateur grounding, learnt his craft via Youtube clips and advice from manager Khoder Nasser, before eventually linking with Tony Mundine, Williams showcases genuine hand speed and solid boxing skills.
He is taking gradual steps, with the exception of the farcical end to his last fight against Francois Botha.
In truth, he should never have been pitted against Botha at this budding stage of his career. The South African veteran may be over the hill but the last asset a heavyweight losses is his power.
“It was a bit of a reality check but that’s life and you’ve got to learn from your mistakes,” Williams said.
“This is very important, especially after what happened in the last fight. I want to get in there and have a really positive outcome; show I can handle myself in the ring. This guy is a very durable, challenging fighter.”
He hasn’t fought for almost two years and must regain previous developments during this six-week training camp.
“It’s tough because when you do so well as a sportsman in rugby and rugby league when you hop in the ring people expect a certain level. I’ve had to work hard just to get to the level I’m at now. I think I’ve done really well to get to here from six weeks here, four weeks there.”
