Sonny Bill would be drawcard | Manawatu-Wanganui Opinion | Local Voices from Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

Rugby league star-turned-All Black-turned boxer Sonny Bill Williams polarises people.

Some see him as a sporting superstar who excels at whatever he turns his hand to, while others view him as a mercenary for hire, motivated only by self-promotion and a desire to cash in on his physical prowess, and the fame that comes with it, while he can.

As usual, the truth of the matter is probably somewhere in the middle.

But regardless of each individual's view on the man they call SBW, news that local boxing promoter Bob Gibson is trying to lure Williams to Wanganui can only be viewed positively.

As revealed in Saturday's Chronicle, Mr Gibson is keen to get Williams to Wanganui to fight in his second charity fight night.

Mr Gibson's plans follow the enormous success of his first charity fight night late last year, which pitted former mayor Michael Laws against Maori activist Ken Mair.

That fight ended in a draw, and while Mr Gibson says those two pugilists will put the gloves on again for a rematch, he's hoping the charity night's marquee event will involve Williams.

Make no mistake, a Williams fight would be a big deal for this city.

Wanganui has already shown it has a taste for big occasions - while the VCC Rally targeted an entirely different demographic to boxing, it was indicative of this city's enthusiasm for large-scale events.

When visiting television shows come to town, they're embraced enthusiastically - last week's filming of politics show Back Benches attracted a large crowd, and when the comedians from TV3's 7 Days put on a show late last year, the opera house was bursting to capacity.

Plenty of people will stay away from the Sonny Bill bout, if it happens, but enough should still turn up to any fight to help make it a memorable night. The thought of a Williams fight, plus a sequel to Laws v Mair will equate to a good night's entertainment for many

Of course, it all hangs on Williams, or more likely his handlers, saying yes to Mr Gibson's proposal.

The success of Mr Gibson's first charity fight night should help.

The other factor in Mr Gibson's favour is the event's charity status - Williams is not short of a bob or two, and has given generously before. Depending on which charity or charities are set to benefit from the fight night, the thought of being associated with a good cause might also appeal to Williams and his team.

However, one cautionary note - let's just hope that if Williams does agree to fight in the River City, he goes glove-to-glove with a decent opponent this time.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz