Former New Zealand rugby star Williams had a 9-0 professional record in the boxing ring, but was knocked out by UFC legend Mark Hunt in a stunning turn of events in Sydney
Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed he could hang up his gloves and follow his opponent Mark Hunt into retirement from boxing.
Williams was competing in his 10th professional boxing clash this weekend in Sydney, where he took on the challenge of UFC legend Hunt, who was considered an underdog going into the event. Despite showing positive glimpses in the fight, Williams succumbed to the former MMA star’s aggression and was sent tumbling to the canvas in the fourth round.
The referee called a halt to proceedings after he was victim of another powerful barrage from Hunt, which saw Williams suffer the first defeat of his boxing career. And he has since hinted that the shock loss may be his last outing in the squared circle, claiming that he may look to follow the path of his winning rival.
“At this stage I’m not even sure if I’ll fight again. That could be it for me, too,” Williams said after the defeat. “I’m 37, I’ve always said that if I cop a lot of punishment, that could be it. If this is the end of my sporting career, it’s been a good one. Whatever is written for me is written for me.”