Botha goes bling, SBW 'to talk in ring'

Yesterday, boxing fans found that Fransie Botha knows how to dress for a weigh-in. Today, they will find out if he can still fight.

The South African showman, known in the world of pugilism as the White Buffalo, turned up in a red bandana and sunglasses, looking like someone headed for the beach rather than the ring.

He takes on rugby hero Sonny Bill Williams at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre today (around 11am, South African time).

Botha said he wanted to brighten the sombre atmosphere. Then he proceeded to turn up the heat as well.

"So he's shown up," he said of his opponent, the famed All Black centre. "So at least there's going to be a fight."

The handsome Williams could not match the White Buffalo for repartee, so he just smiled. Today, we will know if Botha can back up the bravado with brute force.

"He had a lot to say," said a member of the Williams entourage. "We'll let him talk. Tomorrow Sonny Bill will do all his talking in the ring."

It was all cliché pre-fight blather. Botha even roped in his pet chihuahua.

"I am going to knock out Sonny Bill," vowed Botha. "My dog Peanut said so."

A heavyweight boxer who pretends he's Dr Dolittle? What next?

Botha weighed in at 115.25kg, his lowest in some time.

Williams, with a revealing six-pack, tipped the scales at 107kg. He took a playful poke at Botha's tummy as the two men stared one another down once the official weigh-in was over.

It was clear which man looked in better shape. Williams, at 27, looked lighter, fitter and more muscled. He was also gracious.

"It's a privilege to fight him," said Williams of Botha, who has fought some of the best boxers in the world. "But I won't be asking for his signature inside the ring."

Williams's big friend and Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper will be making his pro debut today against Barry Dunnett, an insurance salesman who has experience in unarmed combat.

"Hopefully, I'll finish up on top but I'm not here to predict anything. I'll get in there and do my best," said Cooper.

Dunnett was more forceful. "Everyone in boxing is behind me. They want me to put an end to the footballer-turned-fighter," he said.