Could this be the end of one of the great sporting careers? Sonny-Bill Williams hints at shock retirement after stunning loss to Mark Hunt
- Sonny Bill Williams has lost his first career boxing match after 10 bouts
- The multi-code sporting star said he was ’embarrassed’ to lose against Hunt
- The 37-year-old is pondering retirement after what has been a marvellous career
Three-code sporting great Sonny-Bill Williams reveals he may hang up the gloves on a stunning career after a devastating, shock loss to 48-year-old UFC veteran Mark Hunt.
‘SBW’ went down in the fourth round of his heavyweight bout against Kiwi countryman Hunt, who used his brute strength to technically knock out the man many thought would retire undefeated.
Sonny Bill-Williams puts his hand over his face after a shock loss to Mark Hunt on Saturday night – it was his first career boxing loss after 10 bouts
Williams had the reins in the first three rounds, but it was his opponent who came out swinging in the last, catching the retired rugby star off-guard.
Hunt, who weighed in at 157kg just weeks ago, stamped his name as the ‘Super Samoan’ by taking down Williams in his final career fight.
While 13cm taller and 20kg lighter than Hunt, Williams could not contain his opponents power, who managed to get close and land two monster shots.
Sonny-Bill Williams makes his boxing debut against Gary Gurr in 2009 as a 24-year-old
The 37-year-old says he was embarrassed by the result, which could spell an end for his time in the ring.
‘At this stage I’m not even sure if I’ll fight again. That could be it for me, too,’ Williams said.
‘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.’
Hunt says he caught Williams with a strong right uppercut, which would drop ‘anyone’, given his heavyweight status.
Williams celebrates with Bulldogs fans after taking down the Roosters in the 2004 NRL Grand Final
‘Money Bill’ made his boxing debut in 2009 against Gary Gurr after a successful start to his NRL career.
In his maiden season, Williams won the NRL premiership in 2004 with the Bulldogs, alongside the likes of Johnathan Thurston, Willie Mason and Hazem El Masri.
The then 23-year-old made the controversial move to French Rugby with cashed-up club Toulon, supposedly signing on a two-year $3million deal.
Williams storms through the Wallabies defence in a 2012 Bledisloe Cup match where he was at the peak of his powers
From 2011-2013, Williams stunned in the Super Rugby, representing the Chiefs and Crusaders.
He made his All Blacks debut in 2010, which remains one of the best national rugby union sides in history, featuring big names Dan Carter, Joe Rokocoko and Ma’a Nonu.
The rangy utility went on to win the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups with New Zealand.
Williams holds up the NRL Telstra premiership trophy, helping the Roosters secure the 2013 gong against the Sea Eagles
In a memorable switch, Williams came back to rugby league for a cracking cameo with the Sydney Roosters, steering them to a 2013 Grand Final win.
His services were wanted across the world, where he ventured to Japan and Canada on mega coin deals.
He was the first player in rugby league history to sign on with Adidas as a global ambassador, joining an exclusive club with sports stars like David Beckham and Lionel Messi.
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