A viewing of his sole career defeat in the ring was all it took for Sonny Bill Williams to realise he has unfinished business as a boxer.
The 38-year-old, who was sensationally knocked out by MMA fighter Mark Hunt almost 12 months ago, admitted the shock loss still eats away at him.
Williams – who won two NRL premierships and two Rugby World Cups in a decorated footy career spanning across two codes, wants one more bout, with the opponent yet to be determined.
It definitely won’t be against Hunt though, who has confirmed his retirement.
‘One of the hardest things I’ve done after that fight was watch it back,’ Williams, whose career record is nine wins from 10 fights, said.
Sonny Bill Williams is set to return to the ring – and it took a viewing of his sole career defeat to realise he has unfinished business as a boxer (pictured, after losing to Mark Hunt last November)
MMA veteran Mark Hunt (left) floored Williams in sensational scenes in Sydney
Hunt was competing in his final professional fight and ended his career on a high
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‘When you are a high-performing athlete for so long, I feel like you have to be critical of your own performances, everything has to be perfect.
‘I thought I was a failure because I got knocked out.’
After viewing the bout, Williams believes he had the wrong fight plan and also didn’t display enough animosity towards Hunt, who he deeply respects.
Now Williams wants to go out on his terms.
‘I don’t need to fight for money. But the thing that I miss from the high-performance space is that buzz, bro. That buzz where it’s all on the line,’ he told Wide World of Sports.
‘In terms of getting back in the ring, it has to be worth my while.’ If it’s a good fight, if it’s a big fight, yeah I’m keen.’
Williams also stated he is eager to lock in an opponent sooner rather than later and begin training for a fight in 2024.
Order Battle of the Reef, live and exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View this Saturday night from 6:30pm AEDT.