12-19-2014, 05:36 PM
Sonny Bill Williams reflects on Frans Botha controversy ahead of planned ring return
CHRIS BARCLAY
![[Image: 1418958994054.jpg]](http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/2/a/o/7/2/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.12aq74.png/1418958994054.jpg)
Chris Barclay/Fairfax NZ
FIGHTING TALK: Code-hopping superstars Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper share a joke at a press conference to promote the inaugural Footy Show Fight Night card in Sydney today.
When Frans Botha is mentioned in relation to his sporting achievements, Sonny Bill Williams accepts he must take the criticism, suspicion and ridicule on the chin.
Yet the cross-code superstar doesn't believe he is fighting to restore credibility to the boxing phase of his career when as he prepares for his first bout since a duel with South Africa's 'White Buffalo' in February last year.
READ MORE:
* SBW talks up Gallen bout
* Williams set for ring return
His sixth straight heavyweight victory ended in farcical circumstances at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre when Botha claimed the fight was shortened from the 12 advertised rounds to 10 when it was evident Williams was on the verge of being knocked out.
Allegations of dubious doping practices and claims Botha had been offered a pay-off to throw the contest then contributed to the drama that unfolded on a night where, for the first time, Williams realised he had limitations.
Although American southpaw Chauncy Welliver is his opponent in Sydney on January 31, Williams was naturally asked to revisit his last experience in the ring - a vague recollection apart from one moment of clarity.
"I've watched it a couple of times, now I know the reason why I don't really remember it," he told Fairfax Media ruefully, referencing the concussion he suffered.
"I was proud of myself to hold on the way I did. I think it was just instinct that got me through in that last round."
The 29-year-old insists both camps knew the fight was scheduled for 10 rounds.
"There's been a lot of controversy about it being 12 and stopping [early]. It doesn't faze me.
"Obviously being a human it hurts you when people talk bad about you and say this and that but in that situation there's nothing I could have done. I was just grateful I hung on to win the fight [by unanimous decision].
"From a sports perspective everyone's going to have their own points of view.
"There's going to be certain parts of the media that will always play on that negative angle and bring that up. I can't sit here and dwell on that."
Williams said becoming a father in November, during the All Blacks' end-of-year tour, had given him a new perspective on life.
"My mindset at this stage, especially after having a daughter .... it's just changed my whole outlook," he explained after promoting The Footy Show Fight Night in Sydney today with Wallabies playmaker and fellow part-time pugilist Quade Cooper.
Cooper supported a subdued Williams in the dressing room after the Botha fight - the All Black quietly expressed no interest in prolonging his boxing career but eventually reconnected with the sport.
Williams will obviously look the part when he takes on Welliver, who has a record of 55 wins, 10 losses and five draws, and he insisted he would also be mentally ready despite his chastening encounter with Botha.
"I know where I went wrong against Botha, it was such a short [three-week] preparation after coming back from injury," he said, before ramping up a six-week conditioning period.
"I know when the time comes I'l be scared and have all of those mixed emotions but I know I can bank on myself doing the hard work, whereas the last fight I couldn't.
"I went in there thinking that being the younger guy I'd be naturally fitter and I'd be able to handle it."
Williams is still based in Sydney with his wife and child but will spend some time training with the Chiefs before moving to Hamilton to permanently after headlining a card that also features Liam Messam's professional debut against an as yet unconfirmed opponent.
- Stuff.co.nz
CHRIS BARCLAY
Chris Barclay/Fairfax NZFIGHTING TALK: Code-hopping superstars Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper share a joke at a press conference to promote the inaugural Footy Show Fight Night card in Sydney today.
When Frans Botha is mentioned in relation to his sporting achievements, Sonny Bill Williams accepts he must take the criticism, suspicion and ridicule on the chin.
Yet the cross-code superstar doesn't believe he is fighting to restore credibility to the boxing phase of his career when as he prepares for his first bout since a duel with South Africa's 'White Buffalo' in February last year.
READ MORE:
* SBW talks up Gallen bout
* Williams set for ring return
His sixth straight heavyweight victory ended in farcical circumstances at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre when Botha claimed the fight was shortened from the 12 advertised rounds to 10 when it was evident Williams was on the verge of being knocked out.
Allegations of dubious doping practices and claims Botha had been offered a pay-off to throw the contest then contributed to the drama that unfolded on a night where, for the first time, Williams realised he had limitations.
Although American southpaw Chauncy Welliver is his opponent in Sydney on January 31, Williams was naturally asked to revisit his last experience in the ring - a vague recollection apart from one moment of clarity.
"I've watched it a couple of times, now I know the reason why I don't really remember it," he told Fairfax Media ruefully, referencing the concussion he suffered.
"I was proud of myself to hold on the way I did. I think it was just instinct that got me through in that last round."
The 29-year-old insists both camps knew the fight was scheduled for 10 rounds.
"There's been a lot of controversy about it being 12 and stopping [early]. It doesn't faze me.
"Obviously being a human it hurts you when people talk bad about you and say this and that but in that situation there's nothing I could have done. I was just grateful I hung on to win the fight [by unanimous decision].
"From a sports perspective everyone's going to have their own points of view.
"There's going to be certain parts of the media that will always play on that negative angle and bring that up. I can't sit here and dwell on that."
Williams said becoming a father in November, during the All Blacks' end-of-year tour, had given him a new perspective on life.
"My mindset at this stage, especially after having a daughter .... it's just changed my whole outlook," he explained after promoting The Footy Show Fight Night in Sydney today with Wallabies playmaker and fellow part-time pugilist Quade Cooper.
Cooper supported a subdued Williams in the dressing room after the Botha fight - the All Black quietly expressed no interest in prolonging his boxing career but eventually reconnected with the sport.
Williams will obviously look the part when he takes on Welliver, who has a record of 55 wins, 10 losses and five draws, and he insisted he would also be mentally ready despite his chastening encounter with Botha.
"I know where I went wrong against Botha, it was such a short [three-week] preparation after coming back from injury," he said, before ramping up a six-week conditioning period.
"I know when the time comes I'l be scared and have all of those mixed emotions but I know I can bank on myself doing the hard work, whereas the last fight I couldn't.
"I went in there thinking that being the younger guy I'd be naturally fitter and I'd be able to handle it."
Williams is still based in Sydney with his wife and child but will spend some time training with the Chiefs before moving to Hamilton to permanently after headlining a card that also features Liam Messam's professional debut against an as yet unconfirmed opponent.
- Stuff.co.nz