A typically theatric twist as confirmation finally arrives of the boxing bout between Sonny Bill Williams and former New South Wales rugby league captain Paul Gallen

After almost 10 years of verbal jabs - it's been announced that the World Cup-winning former All Black and Kiwis player will square off with the former Cronulla Sharks enforcer in Sydney on July 16.

Gallen - though - has done a no-show for today's press conference across the Tasman - explaining his absence in a video posted to social media.



The fight be the first in nearly three years for 39-year-old Williams - who holds a nine win one loss pro record.

43-year-old Gallen has 15 wins, two losses and one draw to his name.