Boxing: Sonny Bill Williams to return to the ring, will fight ex-AFL hardman Barry Hall on March 23, to train with Tyson Fury

Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams will return to the boxing ring, and train with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury as part of his training.

Williams, 36, will face off against ex-AFL star Barry Hall, 44, on March 23 in Sydney - stepping into the ring for the first time since June 2021 when he defeated Waikato Falefehi.

The former All Black and NRL premiership winner boasts an 8-0 record as a boxer, while Hall is unbeaten from his one fight - a draw against another former NRL star, Paul Gallen.

What's more, Williams will work with Fury as part of his training camp along with Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker in Morecambe, England.

"My focus on winning this fight begins with a phenomenal opportunity to join the world's biggest name in boxing, Tyson Fury, at his training camp immediately," Williams says.

Tyson Fury knocks Deontay Wilder down.
Tyson Fury knocks Deontay Wilder down. Photo credit: Image - Getty Images

"I know Barry Hall is a very hard man and his debut proved he has a ton of skill but he is inexperienced in the ring and nowhere near my class level. 

"This fight against Hall starts the last chapter of my sporting career and I will take this win and move on to further big fights over the next 24-36 months."

Hall meanwhile is promising to "finish" Williams' boxing career, banking on the experience of his one previous professional fight.

"I showed against Paul Gallen that I can go the distance and go hard," Hall says.

"Sonny is a hugely talented individual but has not ever faced any one of my size or skill. The lad has had everything laid on a silver platter in his boxing career to date.

"Sonny Boy has made a mistake in taking this fight, I intend to finish his boxing career and open up bigger fight opportunities for myself."