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Botha issues Williams warning

Sport
BRISBANE — Francis Botha has warned Sonny Bill Williams that he will be “dragged into deep water” in their bout tomorrow and claims he should have fought his son instead.

BRISBANE — Francis Botha has warned Sonny Bill Williams that he will be “dragged into deep water” in their bout tomorrow and claims he should have fought his son instead.

— Reuters

The 44-year-old South African and former world heavyweight champion will be just the sixth opponent of New Zealand Rugby World Cup gold medallist Williams, who is now looking to forge a career in professional boxing.

And while Williams has enjoyed a 100% record to date, the “White Buffalo” will be by far the sternest test he has faced so far and Botha is adamant that his experience of 60 fights and ability in the ring will prove to be a bridge too far for him.

“When I catch him he’s going to go,” Botha said ahead of the bout in Brisbane, Australia. I’ll drag him into deep water and let him drown. He’s never fought a guy like me, it’s stupid. Sonny should have fought my son. My son would kick his butt and he’s not even a professional.”

Williams, who is younger, fitter and arguably stronger than Botha, is looking to use the fight as another step up the ladder in his boxing career, while he has vowed to quit if he loses.

He said: “I can see myself doing boxing full-time in the future, but for that to come to fruition I need to fight guys like this and beat them, otherwise it’s a waste of time. “Some boxers go their whole lives building a record until people want to watch them. I’ve had to jump really quickly. This fight will be defining. It will tell me if I can keep going.”