World Cup-winning All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has announced that he will challenge for the New Zealand heavyweight boxing title in Hamilton in February.

The Chiefs back will face current champion Richard Tutaki just 17 days before he is due to make his return to Super Rugby.

The title challenge will be the undefeated Williams's fourth professional fight.

His opponent, nicknamed "the Tutaki Express Train" has won 19 out of 41 fights over a ten-year career.