Sonny Bill Williams (6-0, 3KOs) is set to return to the boxing ring early next year with manager Khoder Nasser understood to be searching for an opponent for the All Blacks midfielder.

Williams hasn't fought since his controversial win over Francois Botha last year and won't have much time to get back into boxing shape after the All Blacks arrive home from their end of year tour.

But boxing trainer Rick Ellis, who's worked with SBW in the past, thinks the 29-year-old is capable of putting in a solid performance.

"It will depend on who he's fighting I guess and how intense the fight is going to be. He's obviously quite fit right now with rugby and he's an athlete anyway but he would have to get into the specifics of boxing before he can get into the ring," Ellis said.

Ellis has heard there is an SBW fight on the horizon, but doesn't know the specifics.