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HomeSourcesexpress.co.ukRugby World Cup winner became Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker's sparring partner

Rugby World Cup winner became Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker’s sparring partner

Sonny Bill Williams is a sparring partner for Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker Former New Zealand international Sonny Bill Williams is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, who now plys his trade in the professional boxing ranks. The Kiwi puncher has ten bouts under his belt (9-1) and is a sparring partner for lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former WBO title-holder Joseph Parker. The 38-year-old retired from rugby in 2021 following an impressive career in league and union. Williams earned international call-ups in both sports but established his name as a centre in the latter. The 243lb colossus picked up 58 caps for New Zealand and won consecutive World Cups with the All-Blacks in 2011 and 2015. However, his competitive edge kept him yearning for more. While out in France playing for Toulon, he took up boxing, initially as a way of keeping fit during the off-season, but quickly fell in love with the sport. In 2009, he stepped between ropes as a professional for the first time on his close friend Anthony Mundine’s undercard, beating fellow debutant Gary Gurr inside two rounds. Sonny Bill Williams (right) is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner From here, Williams was hooked and continued fighting throughout his rugby career. In 2012, he stopped Clarence Tillman to become New Zealand’s heavyweight champion in only his fifth professional outing. He then followed this up with a ten-round decision victory over former world title challenger Francois Botha to earn a ranking with the World Boxing Association (WBA) as well as one of their many trinkets, the WBA International strap. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Sonny Bill Williams is 9-1 as a pro boxer Trending

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