Sonny Bill Williams may fight Botha in NZ

Last updated 05:01 23/08/2012

FAIRFAX

FIGHT SET: Sonny Bill Williams will face Francois Botha in Brisbane on November 24.

The many knockouts of Francois Botha

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Mike Tyson looks down at a knocked out Francois Botha.

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The boxing promoter behind the fight between Sonny Bill Williams and Francois Botha is happy to stage the fight in New Zealand if he can't get local TV coverage in South Africa.

Thinus Strydom told boxingscene.com that he hoped it would be in Durban, but if he can't get a sponsor or local TV coverage, he will move it to New Zealand.

[Williams] signed a deal with me to fight in South Africa once a year, Strydom told boxingscene.

"It will be very good for boxing in South Africa to bring a superstar like Williams, but let's wait and see what happens.'

There has been frequent speculation about Williams fighting in South Africa and his new Japanese club deal includes the right to continue boxing.

Botha, who now lives in the United States and is dubbed "The White Buffalo", was quick to call out Williams after the All Blacks star won the New Zealand title in February.

His taunts then included being able to beat Williams quickly enough that the fight could take place "somewhere during half-time of a rugby match" and that he was good enough to win with "one hand tied behind his back".

The 43-year-old Botha has started his pro career in 1990 and has a record of 48 wins from 59 fights with seven losses and three draws.

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