Former Sydney Swans captain Barry Hall has secured a boxing bout with rugby (league and union) phenom Sonny Bill Williams for early 2022.
The pair of footy legends from opposing codes have been rumoured to fight for the last couple of years since Hall took on Cronulla Sharks great Paul Gallen in his only professional fight in 2019, which went the distance and resulted in a draw.
“It’s been spoken about, this fight, for a very long time. I fought Paul Gallen coming up on two years ago now and we were talking about that fight (with SBW) around that time," Hall told Fox Sports.
“I’m not 'Benjamin Button,' I can’t turn back the age clock. But I’ve still got the skills. I’m fit, I’ve got the boxing knowledge, I’ve got a good amateur pedigree. I can absolutely hang with these guys.
“I’m happy to fight him tomorrow.”
Williams spoke on his desire to reignite his dormant boxing career after calling time on his football career in March.
Shortly after, he defeated Waikato Falefehi to win his first fight in six years, raising awareness of his intentions to take on high-profile ex-footballers in the foreseeable future.
“For me, I’m in it for the challenge, he told ABC Radio.
“When it comes to fighting Paul Gallen or Barry Hall, those guys are all part of the process but for me, it’s about the daily grind and being wholeheartedly in it.
“That stems from something more than say, ‘I’ve got my eyes on solely focused on Paul Gallen or Barry Hall."
Hall believes he’s continuing to improve during this point in his boxing career and is confident in his abilities to push the much younger Williams before he too calls time on his athletic career.
“That’s just the mindset I’ve got. I’ll fight anyone. Give me 8-10 weeks and I’ll fight anyone," he added.
“If I was in the gym now and struggling and slowing down I probably wouldn’t even consider doing it, but I’m not.
“I’m actually improving, I’m getting better. My punching power has gone through the roof since the Gallen fight so I actually can’t wait to get in there and show people what I can do.
“I’ve got a good (fitness) base under my belt. I’m miles ahead of where I started with the Paul Gallen first fight.
The fight is scheduled to take place sometime next February, with further details about the venue and broadcasting to come soon.
