Sonny Bill Williams has been working on strength, power to beat UFC legend Mark Hunt in boxing bout

Sonny Bill Williams says he has focused more on his strength, power and athleticism in a bid to beat knockout specialist Mark Hunt ahead of their eight-round heavyweight clash in Sydney this weekend.

The former All Black is undefeated as a professional boxer and has a 9-0 record since his 2009 debut.

But the 37-year-old knows that could all change in the blink of an eye when he’s in the ring with one of the most devastating strikers in martial arts.

MMA legend Mark Hunt (pictured) believes he has been in his best form for years

“This time I focused a little more on winning outside of boxing,” said Williams, who knocked out his last opponent Barry Hall in less than two minutes.

“Strength, power, athleticism — that sort of thing. That’s the big difference this time.

My boxing training is also going well. I trained with a new coach from Greenacre Boxing – I’m a novice when it comes to this sport, so I’m always learning.”

Williams and Hunt both showed up for an open workout at Tony Mundie’s gym in Redfern on Wednesday and the pair looked in great shape. Hunt believes this is the best form he has achieved in years.

Sonny Bill Williams photographed winning the ‘Turf War’ Heavyweight match between him and Barry Hall in March 2022

“I started with 157 kg,” said the former kickboxer and MMA star. ‘I’m probably around 130 kg now.

‘It’s the back of my career. Whatever it is, it goes. If Sonny gets a hold of me, he’ll get me. If I get it, so be it. I have nothing to prove to anyone.’

None other than former world heavyweight boxing title contender David Tua, who flew over from New Zealand for the fight at Hunt’s request, held the pads for Hunt on the job.

“I got the call from Mark Hunt and he said come by,” Tua explained. ‘I can’t teach him how to fight – he already knows how. But the waterboy’s job is here for me. I’m excited to be here.

Former world heavyweight boxing title contender David Tua trains with Mark Hunt and says he will be Hunt’s ‘waterboy’ during the fight

‘I never wanted to see my usos’ [brothers] go for it – but business is business. These guys are icons of their sport. It shows others that you can try other things in life. and succeed.’

Tua, who was known as one of the toughest heavyweights of his time, insists Hunt’s knockout prowess is still a concern for everyone he steps in the ring with.

“He hits hard,” Tua said. ‘I don’t want to be hit by him. People ask me if I know exactly how hard he hits – I say I don’t want to know, thank you.’

Hunt and Williams will face each other on November 5 at the International Convention Center in Sydney.