Sonny Bill Williams is expecting to face the best version of Mark Hunt.
The one whose signature move, the walk-off knockout, made him a cult figure in the UFC. The only difference, according to both Samoans, is that this time Hunt will have the fitness to finish the job after wobbling Paul Gallen in his last fight.
“He will put on a great performance, just like I will,” Williams said.
“That’s why the respect is mutual because I will be [my best self] as well. I’ll leave no stone unturned and he would have learnt from his last fight that he rocked Paul Gallen, but he just didn’t step on him.”
Williams will take on Hunt in an anticipated clash at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena on November 5, which will be shown live and exclusive on Stan Event. (Stan is owned by Nine, the publisher of this masthead). When the pair faced off for the first time in North Sydney on Thursday, it was evident they were already in great shape.
When Hunt was first offered the fight, he conceded he was out of shape. Preparing for a lawsuit against the UFC after claiming he was challenging doped opponents, Hunt tipped the scales at 157 kilograms when the offer came through.
Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper.Credit:Getty
Now, he has trimmed down to 138kg and expects to be lighter still when he faces “SBW” to ensure he has the fitness to go with his renowned power for the eight-round battle.
“I should be at 114kg for this match,” he said.
“I stopped eating cheesecake. I was sitting on the couch, relaxing, [preparing for] this lawsuit. I wasn’t doing much.
“I’m glad Sonny chose me to get some legitimacy, he gets full credit for that.”
Both fighters will have the stamina to go the distance, but there’s every chance it won’t. Williams showed he also has the power to end things quickly, as evidenced by his first-round KO of Barry Hall in his last fight. Hunt, meanwhile, is considered one of the heaviest punchers in combat sports.
“He’s got some power in those hands,” Williams said.
“The respect is mutual, but the person out there, the boxing supporter, will see that with that respect comes honour and bringing your best on the night.
“From an entertainment point of view, not just a boxing point of view, this is a great watch. Everyone has strengths and everyone knows what Mark’s hands possess.
“Hopefully, I won’t be getting caught.”
Sonny Bill Williams v Mark Hunt– Live and Exclusive on Stan Event on November 5. Order the event at stan.com.au/event
