The former All Blacks star returned to the ring in 2021 and he admitted losing his undefeated record to Mark Hunt in 2022 was harder than a defeat on the field.

He explained to Rugby World magazine: “It’s easier to get over a rugby loss than a boxing loss.

“I can share the heartache with 14 other guys. In the ring, it is just me.”

The 40-year-old sportsman believes Bundee Aki could go from rugby to boxing and have a great career.

He said: “I always say your tight five are ones to watch.

“To be honest, even your loose forwards, they are big, strong athletes.

“But I cannot look past my man Bundee Aki. He has something in him.

“He would probably be walking around in the second round blowing and then come with an overhand right and do something special – so it is my man Bundee.”

Sonny admitted rugby always came more naturally to him than boxing.

He said: “A nice hit or a nice offload was always good, but with boxing it is so uncomfortable for me.

“I didn’t grow up boxing, maybe a few fights at school, but everything about the boxing game is unfamiliar to me.

“When you go through it, you sit down and give yourself a quiet little pat on the back.”