Boxing
Quade Cooper and Sonny Bill tee up 'fight night'
ESPN Staff
December 19, 2014
Quade Cooper and Sonny Bill Williams address the press, Sydney, December 19, 2014
Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper are going to be back in the boxing ring © Getty Images
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Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper will be back in the boxing ring on January 31 for a 'fight night' in Sydney.

Both have enjoyed successful bouts in the past and Williams will face American Chauncy Weaver at the event in Sydney. The All Blacks centre will be hoping to continue his good form in the ring having won his last bout against South African Frans Botha.

Cooper saw off Warren Tresidder but his opponent is yet to be named however he was quick to praise the Australian Rugby Union for permitting him to head back into the ring. Cooper said: "Every player talks about ways of getting extra percentages - whether it be half a percent, one percent or two percent, and I think boxing is my edge."

He also enjoyed sparring with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. "Just a few rounds on one of the captain's runs," Cooper said. "I looked at it as a different way to do some fitness. I was going to look at finding a gym and do some boxing anyway and Cheika just hit me up and said he'll go buy some gloves."

For Williams, he had to seek permission from Kiwi coach Steve Hansen. "The major concern for myself was getting his approval," Williams said. "He said that as long as I don't get knocked out, he's happy with it. So hopefully that's the plan."

Also in action on January 31 will be rugby league player Paul Gallen and like Cooper, his opponent is yet to be confirmed.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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