According to multiple reports, Sonny Bill Williams will return to the boxing ring against one of Australian sport's most notorious figures, ex-AFL hard man Barry Hall.

Back in 2008, Hall knocked out a rival player with a vicious punch. He fought to a draw with league player-turned-boxer Paul Gallen in 2019.

Hall has been itching for a showdown with Williams.

The former All Blacks player will face Hall in Sydney on March 23.

According to Williams, he will prepare in the UK with former WBO champion Joseph Parker and WBC champion Tyson Fury.

Williams hit the ring in June of last year, when he picked up a close six round decision over Waikato Falefehi. Williams went down in the second and won on three scorecards of 57-56 at Townsville Entertainment Centre.

It was Williams' first bout in six years.

“It felt good [coming back], until I got a couple of those bombs. That is the sport of boxing, you don't play boxing, that is for sure. I am just doing my due diligence to respect the sport," Williams said.

“It was pretty hard, but after five years out I would expect nothing different. I hope everyone enjoyed that, I know where I am as a boxer, but I am just trying to learn as much as I can.”