Sonny Bill Williams vs Clarence Tillman III: Live updates, blog [video]
Roar Guru By John Davidson, 8 Feb 2012 John Davidson is a Roar Guru
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- Boxing, Clarence Tillman III, live blog, Sonny Bill Williams, Tony Mundine, Williams vs Tillman
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Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) takes on Clarence Tillman - join our live blog for scores and updates
Sonny Bill Wiliams takes on Clarence Tillman III in Hamilton tonight, with the New Zealand heavyweight title on the line. Join us tonight for live updates, scoring and blog from 5.00pm (AEDT) with all undercard results for Williams vs Tillman.
Williams enters the ring for the fifth time, hoping to add to his four scalps.
The Waikato Chiefs centre has been under the guidance of Aussie boxing legend Tony Mundine and had a good preparation, which included sparring up-and-coming Kiwi fighter Joe Parker and Australian heavyweight title holder Michael Kirby.
Williams is apparently showing no signs of a recent hamstring tear, and will face an opponent with a lot more experience than the 26-year-old. He will also box 10 rounds for the first time in his career.
Tillman had eight fights in 2011, winning five of them, losing two and drawing one, as well as six in 2010 after turning pro in 2008. Tillman comes into the bout with recent victories over Dean Garmonsway and Joe Betham under his belt.
The American-born fighter, who reportedly grew up on the mean streets of New Orleans, has a lot of experience in the ring with 21 fights over his career. His preparation has included sparring with cruiserweight Shane Cameron, and Tillman is a big unit who will be hard to knockdown.
Tillman has a big weight advantage over Williams of more than 20 kilograms, but the All Black will be much more mobile and quicker around the ring.
Staged or not staged fracas from the weigh-in aside, this should be a decent contest and a real test of Williams’ development as a boxer.
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The Crowd Says (186) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
2:59pm
Shaun said | 2:59pm | Report comment
What was the name of Clarence Tillman’s entrance music called
9:00pm
jeff said | 9:00pm | Report comment
SBW does not deserve to be in the spotlight so early in his career ,to be the main fight on pay per view, cost me $49 to watch and was very dissapointed , there are many boxers in australia that have trained and fought for many years , and not given the opportunity that SBW has recieved . Most boxers start at the bottom and climb the stairs to the top [figue of speech] , SBW has taken the express elavator to the top [ fame , fortune ] . Sonny might be a nice bloke [ im not saying he isnt ] , he hasnt grown to a great boxer at this stage [ he should still be an undercard to better boxers ] .
7:24am
Jones said | 7:24am | Report comment
Come on man he’s been an athlete his whole life. I think he’s done enough and wouldnt want to see SBW in an Amatuer fight. Any undercard fighter he would destroy
11:39pm
PTS000 said | 11:39pm | Report comment
WAKE UP!!!! Undercard fighters are all he has fought… Come on get real….Anyone of the Australian top ten fighters would kill him…. Get him to fight Lucas Browne, Mark Demori or even Ben Edwards they are all relatively new to the game….
If he is one of the toughest men in NZ, then NZ has nothing to offer pro boxing, he is all ego and show….
Sonny Bill harden up and fight some real fighters and don’t acquire a winning record full of nothing opponents, that is what turns people off of Boxing….
9:04am
Jones said | 9:04am | Report comment
Get off boxing and watch UFC. Your obviously Jealous of SBW and cant admire him for his athletic ability and Guts in the ring. @ PTS000 You fight him!!
5:46pm
peter piper said | 5:46pm | Report comment
I think its terrible that Tillman had no bra on! Was he trying to put Sonny off?
6:34am
Aisea T Tuikolovatu said | 6:34am | Report comment
Why didn’t the referee stop the fight and give tilman a 8 count knock down? Looks like a set up to guarantee the win for Sonny Bill. Who knows what might have happened if Tilman recovered after the 8 count.
7:56am
The Grafter said | 7:56am | Report comment
Only 1 second left in the first round Aisea. That in itself is a joke. Your right, a count should of been put on him.
12:06am
Damien said | 12:06am | Report comment
Fight was stopped with 6 secs to go not 1.
Thats enough time for at least another 3 – 4 solid punches to the head.
You can’t give a man that’s not technically down an 8 count.
Grafter, you of all people should know this.
Did you purposly leave out that point in your post or do you just not know the rules (insert smiley face here).
11:19pm
Jack said | 11:19pm | Report comment
Hey guys does anyone know the name of SBWs ring entrance song… Thanks a lot in advance
1:53pm
KaraLeigh said | 1:53pm | Report comment
PNC – polo
10:43pm
John Davidson said | 10:43pm | Report comment
Short changed, I reckon Grafter.
9:21pm
John Davidson said | 9:21pm | Report comment
Thanks Athas for the footage link. That’s it for the live blog for tonight, thanks for all the comments from everyone.
9:15pm
Athas Zafiris said | 9:15pm | Report comment
Just in – Footage of SBW stopping a tub of lard.
Knock yourselves out
1:14am
Conny said | 1:14am | Report comment
Jeeeez, Tillman looks like a bloody windmill.
2:53am
BennO said | 2:53am | Report comment
Looks like the ref called it a bit early to me. Although I don’t know anything about boxing. SBW looked pretty sharp tho, be great to see him carry on with it.
3:36am
Conny said | 3:36am | Report comment
He had one arm out of the ring. Over here in Europe, its over if your not defending yourself anyway. They would have had 2 reasons to take him out. Dunno what rules this fight was by.
7:54am
The Grafter said | 7:54am | Report comment
One second left in the first. Lance Revill, the man who tried to take Alis head off in an exibition spar in Auckland in 1979 was the ref.
I wonder…………………
8:58pm
John Davidson said | 8:58pm | Report comment
I think David Tua, Kali Meehan and Alex Leapai would be too good for SBW at the moment. And it’s too early for a fight with Barry Hall, let Hall have a few fights first.
I imagine there’s going to be a lot of disgruntled people after this card, especially those who paid big dollars to see it. But you have to give some credit to SBW, it looks like his technique has improved and the affect of Tony Mundine has helped. Where to next is hard to say, but hopefully against a better, fitter opponent.
9:05pm
Jay said | 9:05pm | Report comment
yeah your right
5:48pm
peter piper said | 5:48pm | Report comment
Barry Hall? You got to be joking!!
8:45pm
Johnno said | 8:45pm | Report comment
Hamauno would smash him. He has no chance vs a Alex leapai standard figther yet. or david tua an ageing david tua.
8:54pm
Jay said | 8:54pm | Report comment
no clown down under has a chance against tua right now he’s still on a world level not local
8:58pm
Damien said | 8:58pm | Report comment
So what if thats true ?
Would you say that in maybe 18 months time ?
SBW is not a done deal as fighter.
He’s got so much more to learn but he has potential.
Let the man have his moment.
He’s worked hard to get to this point..
7:57am
The Grafter said | 7:57am | Report comment
Well said Mrs Williams, your son went ok tonight against a bloke that looked like he is a DD cup
7:53am
The Grafter said | 7:53am | Report comment
I think a fit david Tua beats all down under except kali Meehan.
Laupai has a great uppercut, but not much else. Slow and cumbersome I would like to see him do well, and have alot of time for his trainer Noel Thornberry (couldnt his brother Ricky fight?).
8:42pm
John Davidson said | 8:42pm | Report comment
Agreed Billy, Tillman was in poor shape. He’s supposed to be fighting Sol Haumono soon so I don’t know why that’s the case.
It would be great to see SBW fight some more experienced boxers, some better ranked ones like a Tutaki, Mark de Mori, Colin Wilson or even a Haumono. Hard to tell how much he has developed. Hopefully he fights again soon and not at the end of the SUper Rugby season.
8:45pm
Andrew said | 8:45pm | Report comment
Would love to see SBW vs Aussie title winner. How can I contact you John?
6:19pm
peter piper said | 6:19pm | Report comment
Who is the Aussie title winner?
8:37pm
Josh said | 8:37pm | Report comment
Got to remember sbw has had no amateur fights so its fair that he builds his way up to better fighters, all his haters i would love to see them shape up to the machine that is sbw, cant wait to see the footage
9:48pm
Kim Hart said | 9:48pm | Report comment
We don’t have to shape up to $BW’s standard as nobody is paying us to box etc. He needs to build up to better fighters as he becomes one himself. He is not meant to fight muppets like that, but an evenly matched opponent. It IS meant to be a contest after all.
10:16pm
Damien said | 10:16pm | Report comment
No ones paying us to play rugby either.
Whats your point ?
4:26pm
Kim Hart said | 4:26pm | Report comment
People do pay $BW to fight and play rugby. Josh made a point that the critics of this farce aren’t as athletic or capable as Sonny Bill and I simply made the point that we don’t need to be in order to recognise a rubbish card when we see one.
7:27am
Damien said | 7:27am | Report comment
My apologies Kim.
Fair comment..
8:36pm
Jeremy said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Meh, I wouldn’t even say he’s improved. I wish Cameron was still in there that would be a fight I’d pay to see.
This was just the joke fight it was always going to be. Ah well, NZ champ gifted to him.
9:06pm
Conny said | 9:06pm | Report comment
Gifted? Lame comment.
8:35pm
John Davidson said | 8:35pm | Report comment
Apparently Tillman was “too angry” to talk after the fight. That’s pretty lame.
8:41pm
The Grafter said | 8:41pm | Report comment
Thanks for the blog John, much appreciated mate.
Wonder how those that paid ringside prices feel now?
10:46pm
Ko'd said | 10:46pm | Report comment
Hey Grafter,the 40 bucks l just saved will get me a good pair of bag mitts now thats how ya should spend money on boxing rather than purchasing that crap and l mean the whole card.Someone said Tillman “too angry” to talk after the fight maybe it just hit him that he wasted $1000 bucks on himself at $5.50 for the knockout.What next for SBW?maybe some basic boxing tips like keepin ya hands up and all punches come from the jaw rather than throwing them from waste height,he really needs some work man.Yes respect him and anyone who steps in the ring but get yourself a full book of punches and a defence for the level he wants to acquire too otherwise if he fights a rated fighter(and l dont think he has yet)then he is in trouble.Also on the last note who really wants to see a fit,sharp athlete at his peak(SBW)and a unfit slob(Tillman) do battle would rather watch a sumo wrestler squash a jockey,not that it would be pretty.(no disrespect to any jockey’s or sumo wrestlers out there).Cheers
11:10pm
Damien said | 11:10pm | Report comment
LOL. ‘he wasted $1000 bucks’.
SBW will improve with more experience. He already looks like a different fighter from his fight against Liava’a.
Tillman looked exactly the same as he did when he lost to Lucas Brown. I think he was actually lighter in this fight than the Brown fight. Brown’s no world beater but the man is pretty scary and Tillman went the distance with him.
A lot of people are confusing the value of the $40 PPV.
I personally would rather spend $40 on this fight than maybe $40 on the pokies or ciggies.
The whole build up was entertaining.
When I spend $10 on a scratchie that has a prize of $1 million I always think of how cool it would be to buy this, give money to the parents go on a huge long holiday and all that fun stuff. After all that daydreaming I scratch the ticket knowing that I have a better chance of getting in a plane crash than winning but I keep my fingers crossed anyway.
When I come up empty I usually just laugh and go ‘Well, that $10 I spent was worth it for the fun I had daydreaming”.
Its all relative..
12:34am
Ko'd said | 12:34am | Report comment
I personally would like to see him fight De Moori,having trained with and lived with Mark l know that at least we would see SBW in with a seasoned fighter we will then get to see more of SBW’s ring craft,his chin,his evasiveness,his footwork and his defence as l havent seen any of those things but now he is a champion so we have to respect that no-one can ever take that away from him.Still dont understand Tony Mundine snr letting him play Rugby if he wants to make a career out of boxing,he wouldnt let jnr go back to league a few years ago when it was on the cards so l get that its not all to serious in the camp.Cheers
1:15am
Damien said | 1:15am | Report comment
When do you want to see that fight, next up or in a few years ?
De Mori has some excellent skills and right now SBW would be severely outclassed.
I mean SBW did well tonite but we’ve got to remember that this is only his 5th fight.
De Mori’s first four fights were against guys who were making their debuts and his fifth one was against a guy that was 2 -1 – 1.
Not disrespecting De Mori , but I’m just pointing out that because SBW was bagged about his opponents records. De Mori has a high work/punch rate for a heavyweight IMO and he looks scary when he’s letting those body rips go.
I reckon that SBW is serving his apprenticeship while he continues to play and once he hangs up the boots then it’ll be full time boxing for SBW.
Boxa’s plan is because SBW has such a high profile they may as well get paid for it as well.
I reveiwed the fight and I reckon SBW’s problem is not his punch but his feet.
After the left hook I think SBW threw about 8 to 10 punches. Of them i think about 6 connected (punchwise connected but the feet still looked a little lost)
Of those 6 I reckon 2 were abit off The ones where you say it was from the hip I didn’t think were too bad coz Tillman’s head was low. But SBW had a few good straights in there. You could see that SBW was trying to think about were his feet should be to get better punches through but I suppose that will come with time.
I thought he looked good in the flurry because it didn’t look like he was just throwing haymakers hoping to drop Tillman quickly.
It was all happening pretty quick and I thought he handled it pretty well for someone so raw.
I think the low hands are a worry but maybe SBW backs his evasive skills. I thought he avoided Tillmans haymakers quite well during the flurry. Imagine if one of those clipped him LOL..
11:22pm
dazzler said | 11:22pm | Report comment
I agree sbw will never be a serious contender he looks like an amatuer, but i respect his heart and courage for stepping in the ring. even if tua was 50 yrs old he would put sbw to sleep.
8:33pm
John Davidson said | 8:33pm | Report comment
You can see some punters being disappointed with tonight’s fight. They wanted to see SBW go 10 rounds with a seasoned, experienced campaign but Tillman was pretty ordinary. Tillman could have gone down and received a count, and a chance to regain his composure, but he tried to stay on his feet and copped too many, and then it was all over.
SBW does seem to have some punching power though, putting down a much bigger opponent. Overall its a step up for SBW, but a small one. Hard to see how far he can go. Would be great to see SBW take on some better credentialed Aussie heavyweights.
8:37pm
The Grafter said | 8:37pm | Report comment
He could always offer Tua the opportunity for the NZ title John? Or Meehan and Colin Wilson, all NZers.
8:51pm
Damien said | 8:51pm | Report comment
Meehan or Wilson not sure. They’re probably too good for SBW at the moment but Tua ?
Com’n Grafter thats just silly. Tua may be past his prime but the man has taken on the worlds best. It would be a HUGE step down if Tua took that fight.
Can you imagine Tua as the challenger ? I would feel sorry for Tua if that were to happen (In a fighters pride sort of way because Tua would take him out easily)
Tua’s on a different path and level altogether..
7:51am
The Grafter said | 7:51am | Report comment
All 3 of them would damage the bloke, worse I would think than when Tua destroyed Cameron.
We all know what his mentor Mundine has done in boxing, so be prepared for Mundine part 2 with media manipulation, and hand picked opponents.
10:55pm
Ko'd said | 10:55pm | Report comment
I think SBW gets hurt in the ring with all 3 of them fighters,even Victorian cruiserweight Brad Pitt hurts him.He boxes like a street fighter whos walked into a boxing gym 3 months ago,yeah great heart but absolutely no technical boxing skills that l can see shining out.Cheers
8:33pm
Ollie Volante said | 8:33pm | Report comment
I am stoked that the fight will happen, still happen and hope SBW wins of course… but I am spuing that the fight is only pay per view in australia. they didnt even play the world cup rugby games for the aussie public either! Anyway … if SBW can be great in boxing too … it will be Owesome!
8:31pm
jack said | 8:31pm | Report comment
wow!! he has definitely improved. now just watch the how many people will be calling him out after tomorrow morning.
8:29pm
John Davidson said | 8:29pm | Report comment
SBW says its the best moment of his career. Thanks Allah and his fans, his trainers and the rest. SBW says of his strategy he had “extra motivation” from when he got tagged at the weigh-in. Says he was nervous coming into the fight, hopes he put on a good show tonight. SBW says this was his world title fight.
Tony Mundine says SBW was nervous, but he can “go along way”. He didn’t think it would finish in the first round by says Tillman was “pretty slow” and open. Anthony Mundine says its a great accomplishment from SBW, says he has worked hard.
8:28pm
steve b said | 8:28pm | Report comment
Hey Grafter hasnt got a knock out punch ay. S.B.W did boxing proud and good on anyone who straps on the leather whether they be footballers or tiddlywink players .But na grafter tillman took a dive ay.
8:36pm
The Grafter said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Just waiting for it to come up FREE online Steve before commenting.
Wouldnt pay to watch that rubbish, or put coin into those behind its pockets.
What next for your hero mate, the Klitschko brothers?
You sure it wasnt a set up pal?
11 rounds of boxing for 6 fights is doing boxing proud??? Im guessing its the opposite mate.
9:27pm
Damien said | 9:27pm | Report comment
Its on YouTube now.
8:59pm
steve b said | 8:59pm | Report comment
NEGATIVE,NEGATIVE NEGATIVE and whats next for my hero , dunno but i bet their is a few putting their hands up ,the pay day to fight S.B.W now will really be worth something and we will be all back here doing the same thing all over again.
8:26pm
Borris said | 8:26pm | Report comment
How is it fairings out?
8:22pm
John Davidson said | 8:22pm | Report comment
Richard Tutaki has gone into the ring and is arguing with Anthony Mundine. Guessing he’s issuing a challenge to fight SBW. Trying to clear the ring now for the announcement. A few boos from the crowd as there’s hardly been any rounds all night.
8:28pm
angry_boxer said | 8:28pm | Report comment
Richard Tutaki has gone into the ring and is arguing with Anthony Mundine. He wanted a refund on his ticket because of how fake the fight was.
This what boxing has come to people.
10:18pm
Damien said | 10:18pm | Report comment
LOL..
8:21pm
Johnno said | 8:21pm | Report comment
What a farce he was fine, Tillman could of gone on. That is $40 dollars wasted i paid on foxtel.
8:29pm
Billy said | 8:29pm | Report comment
Your dreaming Johno. Tillmans melon was ready for a smacking. It would have serious injury if ref hadn’t stopped it. Tillman was badly out of shape and look like an old man.
8:35pm
Ollie Volante said | 8:35pm | Report comment
yea bro… glad I didnt pay it ! bastards …
8:36pm
Ollie Volante said | 8:36pm | Report comment
but hey at least you got to see it … all I got is these blogs for now ahhaha cheers for you guys that have been writing
8:36pm
joe blackswan said | 8:36pm | Report comment
yeah, foxtel might be struggling to find punters to cough up again to watch SBW fight no-name/poor boxers.
still can’t tell if SBW is good or not….to be fair though, he might have a bit more ability than he has been given credit for.
get him to fight Big Bad Barry Hall….that would be a crowd pleaser, and a good test for SBW.
8:21pm
jake said | 8:21pm | Report comment
well done, but tillman is a bum with no chin, give sonny someone who is not a fat blob with no chin
8:21pm
John Davidson said | 8:21pm | Report comment
Well we wanted a contest, but we didn’t really get it.
SBW worked a nice left hook, and threw some good, strong punches. Tillman copped a few and couldn’t take anymore. He tried to throw a few back but you could tell he was affected and was offering no defence. Good display from SBW though. Disappointing it wasn’t more of a contest, but you can’t blame SBW for that. Looks like he has improved, but hard to tell really as the fight didn’t even last one round.
8:25pm
drew said | 8:25pm | Report comment
Thanks for the updates. I’ve been keenly following. Shame it didn’t last longer, in my opinion this match had a significant amount more potential
8:20pm
tristan said | 8:20pm | Report comment
really that easy lol
8:19pm
JLM said | 8:19pm | Report comment
Rigged
8:18pm
John Davidson said | 8:18pm | Report comment
Tillman not looking in the best shape.
ROUND ONE:
SBW starts with a quick jab. Tillman looking to land a right. Trys a big overhand right that misses. SBW working the left jab. Tillman trys another overhand right. SBW happy to jab with his fast left. SBW the aggressor early on. He looks enthusiastic tonight, but he still has his hands down. Then it descends into a brawl a bit. A few wild shots from both. A few good lefts from Tillman, and SBW is firing. A few more and Tillman is wobbling, and IT’S OVER! TILLMAN IS DONE! The refs steps in and it’s all over. SBW WINS!
8:19pm
philonious said | 8:19pm | Report comment
shocking set up SET UP
8:20pm
robbie francais said | 8:20pm | Report comment
i knew i came to the place cheers mate
8:20pm
James said | 8:20pm | Report comment
…wow
8:21pm
deano said | 8:21pm | Report comment
ummm i blinked and missed it … glad i didnt pay to watch it
8:23pm
Conny said | 8:23pm | Report comment
Wow!
8:15pm
Johnno said | 8:15pm | Report comment
SBW is wearing snickers, what is going on , hardly taking the fight serious enough.
8:19pm
ngahina said | 8:19pm | Report comment
well sbw has allredy won the fight funny how tillman told pll he put 1k to nockout sbw what a joke
sbw will win by decision bank it son
8:21pm
Sash said | 8:21pm | Report comment
You called it Johnno….FIXED!
8:13pm
John Davidson said | 8:13pm | Report comment
Tillman with a 2cm reach advantage, 208cm to SBW’s 206cm.
Here we go…
8:25pm
Junior said | 8:25pm | Report comment
Where are we at John??
8:13pm
robbie francais said | 8:13pm | Report comment
first round over yet mate?
8:12pm
John Davidson said | 8:12pm | Report comment
Fighters bump shoulders in the ring. And then there’s a little face off. All this before the bell. Lovely.
8:12pm
Patrick said | 8:12pm | Report comment
I am actually hoping Sonny can pull this off. I would love to see him get a knockout on Tillman. He needs to win it to shut up all his critics
8:12pm
Borris said | 8:12pm | Report comment
How is it going?
8:11pm
John Davidson said | 8:11pm | Report comment
OK here we go, the fighters are coming out now. SBW in the blue corner, Tillman in the red corner. Crowd I would say mostly supporting SBW here, although some cheers for Tillman too. Tillman looks pumped up, singing as he comes out. Takes his time to enter the ring. The Mundines giving SBW last minute advice as he comes out last.
8:12pm
josh said | 8:12pm | Report comment
this will be mean
8:10pm
Alfi said | 8:10pm | Report comment
Whats the Out come?
8:05pm
raha said | 8:05pm | Report comment
Cheers 4 the updates brutha
8:04pm
lee said | 8:04pm | Report comment
has the fight started if so could you please give a update go SBW
8:04pm
teresa said | 8:04pm | Report comment
who won..?
8:03pm
robbie francais said | 8:03pm | Report comment
looking for ko by sbw but ten rounds for these 2 we’ll see stratigic boxing… maybe???? lol
8:02pm
John Davidson said | 8:02pm | Report comment
Not long now, both fighters getting their gloves sorted. ‘The Con in the Tron’, not a bad moniker I guess. Hopefully we see a real contest though.
8:11pm
Aucklander said | 8:11pm | Report comment
found a live stream @ http://www.yycast.com/ppvfight313foru
8:02pm
robbie francais said | 8:02pm | Report comment
hey mate cheers for the non bias commentry looking forward to a cool fight love conditions like this
7:59pm
John Davidson said | 7:59pm | Report comment
Auctioning off SBW’s ripped All Blacks shirt from the Tonga World Cup game for charity, before the fight starts.
7:57pm
Johnno said | 7:57pm | Report comment
I hope the fight is not fixed, I have some suspicions i don’t know why.
8:03pm
Sash said | 8:03pm | Report comment
Good call Johnno.
8:03pm
philonious said | 8:03pm | Report comment
I think I wasted 50 bucks on tillman now I know it is rigged. Sux shows even in NZ boxing is fixed becoming likg King and his cohorts..
8:05pm
Damien said | 8:05pm | Report comment
You been reading too many of The Grafter’s posts..
8:09pm
Aucklander said | 8:09pm | Report comment
@ Johnno
I agree – you do get that in boxing sometimes
7:53pm
Borris said | 7:53pm | Report comment
Good luck sbw!
7:53pm
John Davidson said | 7:53pm | Report comment
Shane Cameron says he can’t see SBW knocking out Tillman, expects the fight to go 10 rounds
7:55pm
Junior said | 7:55pm | Report comment
Who are the judges? Rugby fans or New Orleans car dealers?
7:52pm
Benjamin said | 7:52pm | Report comment
Who the hell won!?
7:51pm
Junior said | 7:51pm | Report comment
Does Sonny have a knockout punch?
Is it likely to go 10 with a dubious decision in favour of SBW?
7:51pm
John Davidson said | 7:51pm | Report comment
SBW looking very relaxed and comfortable in the dressing rooms. Tony Mundine giving him some final advice.
7:52pm
Sage said | 7:52pm | Report comment
Anything happening YET??
7:53pm
sam jones said | 7:53pm | Report comment
cheers for all these posts mates, whats your prediction for the tillman vs williams?
7:54pm
Jd said | 7:54pm | Report comment
John. How long till it starts mate?
7:51pm
Borris said | 7:51pm | Report comment
Has it started yet?
7:49pm
John Davidson said | 7:49pm | Report comment
Tillman “can’t recall what was said” at the weigh-in. Must have a short memory.
7:48pm
wainuipitbull said | 7:48pm | Report comment
hoping sbw comes out and puts on the pressure, he predominately is a back foot fighter, be good to see em comin forward.
7:47pm
fai said | 7:47pm | Report comment
sonny bill for fiji!
7:45pm
John Davidson said | 7:45pm | Report comment
Tillman’s wearing Mundine brand Boxa gloves, always a nice touch.
7:44pm
Ash said | 7:44pm | Report comment
they must be out now… where is the update?
7:44pm
Don Sallis said | 7:44pm | Report comment
Thanks for your coverage of the fight night,great work John cheers cuz
7:44pm
Gabe said | 7:44pm | Report comment
No further commentary?
7:43pm
John Davidson said | 7:43pm | Report comment
Sky NZ commentators seem to love talking about rugby and the upcoming Super rugby season tonight. But we’re here for boxing so let’s get it on.
7:42pm
Ash said | 7:42pm | Report comment
Who would have thought Hamilton would ever hold a major box bout! SBW for prime Minister
7:41pm
turitopa said | 7:41pm | Report comment
LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!
7:39pm
Big T said | 7:39pm | Report comment
Why do all the media outlets keep touting a 2 inch height advantage for Tillman? We saw them both face to face barefoot yesterday and SBW is slightly taller. Why stick to listed heights which have been proved wrong?
7:38pm
John Davidson said | 7:38pm | Report comment
Footage of Tillman looking sharp and fast in the dressing room. He will need to keep that up for the 10 rounds to catch the faster SBW.
7:45pm
jay said | 7:45pm | Report comment
wats happening atm??
7:34pm
Huz said | 7:34pm | Report comment
Anyone know a website I can watch it? Pubs over here aren’t showing the fight…
7:34pm
Borris said | 7:34pm | Report comment
Waiting impatiently……already feeling cold before the fight starts!
7:33pm
james said | 7:33pm | Report comment
go sonny get him like a boss thanks for updates
7:30pm
abo man said | 7:30pm | Report comment
cheers for the updates
7:29pm
fraze said | 7:29pm | Report comment
hey thanks for all the updates will you be doing them for the main event?
7:28pm
John Davidson said | 7:28pm | Report comment
Ian, I would say 10 rounds in total from 5 fights by my count.
7:33pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 7:33pm | Report comment
Im still not happy about the bum-of-the-month quotient …
7:38pm
Sash said | 7:38pm | Report comment
Thanks for the blog John, I’m sitting on an oil rig in the middle of nowhere……you’re a life saver! I’m giving Tillman the edge in the main event.
7:26pm
John Davidson said | 7:26pm | Report comment
Max, my guess is no more than 30 mins. At the moment, we’ve got interviews with Silver Ferns, White Caps and other Kiwi ‘celebs’ to contend with. But the title contest will be coming soon.
7:30pm
James said | 7:30pm | Report comment
cheers for the updates john its been a struggle tryn to find live updates for this fight
7:25pm
John Davidson said | 7:25pm | Report comment
Aloua won’t be winning any public speaking arrangements anytime soon, but he’s won this fight easily.
7:23pm
max said | 7:23pm | Report comment
thanks for the comments, how much longer for the main event to start
7:23pm
max said | 7:23pm | Report comment
thanks for the comments, how much longer for the main event to start
7:22pm
John Davidson said | 7:22pm | Report comment
Well, that’s it for the undercard. All pretty straight-forward, one-sided contests.
Let’s hope the big one can live up to its billing.
7:24pm
Drew said | 7:24pm | Report comment
keep it coming mate, i’ve got money on Sonny knocking him out in the 4th or the 5th… bring it on!
7:21pm
John Davidson said | 7:21pm | Report comment
Round 2 from 6:
Both fighters using their jabs. Both keeping their hands up. Not too many clean punching opportunities. Aloua does have a lightning left. Cagey round. Aloua countering well. He unleashes a flurry towards the end of the round and Filimaea is down. He gets up, groggily, and it’s all over. Aloua has won it just before the end of the second. Aloua throws two rights and a beautiful left and Filimaea is all over.
7:26pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 7:26pm | Report comment
So the undercards lasted, what, 8 rounds between the 5 fights ?
7:15pm
John Davidson said | 7:15pm | Report comment
Round 1 of 6:
Aloua is undefeated from 5 fights, Filimaea has a record of 3 wins, 9 losses and one draw. And it begins. Cagey opening. Not much landing. Just finding their measure. Aloua counter punching well. Filimaea being aggresive, he seems up for this. Then a nice combo from Aloua. And then another good two punch combo. Fairly even round. Filimaea might have got it, was busier.
7:17pm
JO said | 7:17pm | Report comment
Filimaea lucky to be the fight before the main event. Only there because he’s in Mundines camp. The Butcher put him through the ropes and broke his ribs when they met in 2010.
7:10pm
John Davidson said | 7:10pm | Report comment
The fighters taking their time to make it into the ring. Aloua is in the white and black trunks, flanked by Tony and Anthony Mundine. Filimaea in the black.
7:00pm
John Davidson said | 7:00pm | Report comment
ALOUA v FILIMAEA:
Aloua is a Kiwi in the Mundine camp, a former NZ heavyweight amateur champ with 5 KO wins from 5 fights. Had some drama at the Commonwealth Games when his fight was stopped when he had a bloody nose although he was in front. Filimaea is a former street kid who seems to be still learning the fight game. So Aloua the favourite I would say.
6:55pm
Wiggy said | 6:55pm | Report comment
Just wanna say nice work to John with the updates! Keep up da gud work. Can’t wait to see SBW get his ass handed to him
6:55pm
John Davidson said | 6:55pm | Report comment
Footage of Sonny Bill arriving. He looks pretty relaxed and happy.
7:00pm
Conny said | 7:00pm | Report comment
Thanks for this live report. Will be following from the Netherlands!
6:54pm
John Davidson said | 6:54pm | Report comment
Liam Messam says Sonny Bill has a “jaw of steel”, that’s yet to be shown. Hasn’t been tested at all.
6:52pm
Borris said | 6:52pm | Report comment
Wat do you think of the fight who’s going to win?
6:48pm
Borris said | 6:48pm | Report comment
Wats the latest from the fight is it on yet?
6:46pm
Bob said | 6:46pm | Report comment
Thanks for the excellent comentary John.
6:44pm
John Davidson said | 6:44pm | Report comment
Fifth fight coming up: David ALOUA v Monty FILIMAEA, 6 Rounds
Last one before the main event with SBW
6:48pm
Matt said | 6:48pm | Report comment
come on clarence . knock out this little prick
6:43pm
John Davidson said | 6:43pm | Report comment
No Minna, not until around 8pm I think.
Round 4 of 6:
Berridge with the much better footwork. Needs to get in and out with his jabs. Knockdown from Berridge, Tavui is down. Went toe to toe there and Berridge won with a right hand. But Tavui gets back up and Berridge continues. Rails the punches in on Tavui and the ref steps in stops it. KO win in the fourth for Berridge. ‘The Butcher’ has too much class for Tavui and remains undefeated.
6:40pm
John Davidson said | 6:40pm | Report comment
Round 3 of 6:
Berridge needs to be careful of coming in and exposing himself to Tavui’s right. Needs to stay at distance and work his jab. Berridge starts well in this round. Stalking Tavui around the ring. He’s scoring some good shots. Tavui getting a bit frustrated. Now he stalks Berridge. Tavui trying to use his power in close. Trying to convince Berridge into a brawl. Tavui ends the round with some nice punches, but I think Berridge has won that round.
6:35pm
John Davidson said | 6:35pm | Report comment
Round 2 of 6:
Tavui changing his footwear. He seemed to be slipping a lot, but Berridge did help with a solid punch. Tavui now barefoot. But Berridge jabs nicely with the right. Again he is the busier of the two fighters. Tavui though gets in some nice right hooks. And he goes on the attack. Again Tavui lands his right hook. And then again. He’s waiting for his chances. Much better round from Tavui. Very even round, Tavui might have just nicked it, hard to tell.
6:32pm
Mike Gaunt said | 6:32pm | Report comment
I dont think with Sonny Bills athletism and speed advantage will have any trouble with this guy.. sonny will surprise himself once he settles in how easy this guy will be to hit, from what iv seen hes far to slow for Sonny,, straight punching moving stick to the fundamentals as Mundine has said and he will win easy.. Go SB
6:31pm
John Davidson said | 6:31pm | Report comment
Round 1 of 6: BERRIDGE v TAVUI
These two have actually fought before, with Berridge winning a points decision. Both fighters are southpaws, should hopefully be a much closer contest. Berridge is in the white and black trunks, Tavui in the black. Berridge is undefeated, with just one draw.
And we’re off. Berridge starts with a few crisp left hands. And Berridge is throwing them freely. Tavui not in the best shape. Tavui then trys an overhead right. Berridge with the clear speed advantage. Tavui looking for an opening. Berridge throwing most of the early punches. And then Tavui is down, but he looks to have slipped I think. Not ruled as a knockdown. Berridge clearly on top though. He’s in control and wins the first round easily.
6:21pm
John Davidson said | 6:21pm | Report comment
Fourth Fight coming up: Robert BERRIDGE v Faimasasa TAVUI, 6 Rounds
6:20pm
John Davidson said | 6:20pm | Report comment
Apologies, that was Todd Crawford against Akkaway, not Todd Marshall, bit of a discrepancy from what the early card was stated. Hoping to see some better contests coming up. Crawford is a bit of a joker when interviewed, asked if he will fight again and says “Pacquaio keeps ducking me”.
6:06pm
John Davidson said | 6:06pm | Report comment
Round 1 of 4:
16 year age difference between Akkaway and Crawford, not to mention height and reach in the Aussie’s favour. And Akkaway is into him straight away, landing a barrage of punches. Crawford steadies. Can’t see this lasting four rounds. Akkaway using a nice right and left hook combo. And its all over 70 seconds. Akkaway lands some telling hooks and the ref steps in. He wins by KO. Another big mismatch. Apparently Crawford had 2 weeks notice for this fight. Disappointing contest
6:07pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 6:07pm | Report comment
Bit of a joke of a card so far
6:05pm
Minna said | 6:05pm | Report comment
Has the Williams vs Tillman fight started yet?
6:02pm
John Davidson said | 6:02pm | Report comment
Marshall in the black trunks, Akkaway in the white. Akkaway comes out to ‘Eye of the Tiger’, you have to love a cliche.
5:58pm
John Davidson said | 5:58pm | Report comment
Third Fight: Bilal Akkawy from Sydney, who’s style is similar to British great Prince Naseem Hamed and is the son of a former Aussie fighter. Against Todd Marshall, making his pro debut and who is coming out of the charity fight scene. Seems to be a lot of fighters coming off the charity boxing scene on this card. Akkaway the big favourite here.
5:50pm
John Davidson said | 5:50pm | Report comment
Third Fight coming up: Bilal AKKAWY v Todd MARSHALL, 4 Rounds
5:49pm
John Davidson said | 5:49pm | Report comment
Although John, if these fights keep lasting 1 or 2 rounds Sonny Bill could be out around 7pm.
5:46pm
John Davidson said | 5:46pm | Report comment
Hard to say John, but my guess is around 8pm.
Round 2 of 4:
Williams stalks Fotai. Trying to get in close to land a hook. Some decent countering from Fotai, considering its his first fight. Williams throwing some left hooks now. Then Williams gets Fotai in the corner, and punishes him. Starts with a big uppercut and then Fotai is down and its all over. Bit of a sorry end though, Williams throws some punches as Fotai is down. Fotai’s camp had thrown in the towel. Some feeling between the two fighters. Williams wins by KO in the second round.
5:46pm
clacky said | 5:46pm | Report comment
SBW WILL KNOCK this chump out. G-ROCK STYLE! LOOK AT THE EYES
5:42pm
John Davidson said | 5:42pm | Report comment
Round 1 of 4:
Fotai is making his debut, while Williams has 3 fights under his belt. And we’re off. Williams trys to work the overhand right. Fotai has a decent jab. Nice combo from Fotai. Williams throwing a few haymaker rights. Then he lands a couple. But Fotai has landed some scoring punches. Pretty even first round. And then we have a bit of drama after the bell. Williams is tagged after the bell and chases Fotai after the ring. Bit of a fracas there.
5:36pm
John Davidson said | 5:36pm | Report comment
Hopefully the rest of the fights on the card last a bit longer.
Second fight, Jason WILLIAMS v Clint FOTAI, 4 rounds.
Fotai in the red trunks, former Sea Eagle and Raiders player Williams in the black trunks.
5:24pm
John said | 5:24pm | Report comment
What time is the sunny bill fight starting at?
5:23pm
John Davidson said | 5:23pm | Report comment
First Fight: ‘Trciky Dickey’ Perier, a former computer programmer who gave up boxing for 8 years and is now back. He takes on Rockie Jerkic from Gladstone.
First round
Jerkic looks quick and has a fast jab. Not to mention a huge reach advantage. And it’s all over after 47 seconds. Jerkic wins easily, a first round KO for the Mundine fighter, known as ‘The Rock on the Block’. Huge mismatch.
5:38pm
Tomas said | 5:38pm | Report comment
PLZ kEEP us updated on the fight SBW vs Williams and when it starts!
5:19pm
bob said | 5:19pm | Report comment
Can Someone give me live updates please??
5:11pm
John Davidson said | 5:11pm | Report comment
Ok on the undercard, Anthony Mundine has labelled Rockie Jerkic, the middleweight in the first bout, as one to watch. He takes on Dickie Pereira.
Former NRL player Jason Williams takes on Clint Foai in a heavyweight fight.
Then Bilal Akkaway takes on Todd Crwaford, who is making his debut, in a super middleweight bout.
Robert Berridge faces fellow cruiserweight Faimasasa Tavui, and there’s another cruiserweight battle with Commonwealth Games participant David Aloua against Monty Filimaea.
Then we have the title fight, SBW v Tillman.
4:05pm
John Davidson said | 4:05pm | Report comment
Thanks Grafter. Here’s the undercard, according to Main Event:
BOUT # 1 Rocky JERKIC v Dickey PEREIRA, 4 Rounds
Middleweight
BOUT # 2 Jason WILLIAMS v Clint FOTAI, 4 Rounds
Heavyweight
BOUT # 3 Bilal AKKAWY v Todd MARSHALL, 4 Rounds
Super Middleweight TBC
BOUT # 4 Robert BERRIDGE v Faimasasa TAVUI, 6 Rounds
Cruiserweight
BOUT # 5 David ALOUA v Monty FILIMAEA, 6 Rounds
Cruiserweight
BOUT # 6 NZ Professional Boxing Association HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
Sonny Bill WILLIAMS v Clarence TILLMAN III
2:44pm
The Grafter said | 2:44pm | Report comment
Just a slight correction John, Kirby was the Australian heavyweight champion beating Colin Wilson last year for the vacant title, but has foregone it. The title has again been vacated, and is being contested Friday week on the Gold Coast between Wilson and Lucas Browne.
2:16pm
Johno said | 2:16pm | Report comment
This will be a good fight in my opinion, very dissapointing about the price, it only costs half as much to watch Mayweather Or Cotto or any top ranked fighter why is this?
1:59pm
Spiro Zavos said | 1:59pm | Report comment
Bob Jones, the NZ multi-millionaire and boxing authority (he was a friend of Angelo Dundee and ran boxers himself in the quest for a world championship, Rex Redden being a standout) has declared that SBW can’t box his way out of a paper bag.
I know Bob well. I respect his judgment on fighters. He knows a lot about the game and he knows the history of boxing probably better than anyone else in Australasia these days.
So it will be interesting to see whether he is right or not, or perhaps Tilman will be one of the ‘bum a month’ fighters that Joe Louis was confronted with on his march to the top.
From what I have seen in clips of SBW, he is a correct fighter, rather mechanical. This may reflect his inexperience in the ring as nothing is natural for him there, it is all learned experience.
But he does seem to lack a real killer punch. His punches are more slaps or cuffs rather than real, heavyweight shots that can drop a big man in one go.
But let’s see …
2:39pm
The Grafter said | 2:39pm | Report comment
As Spiro says, Bob Jones is a NZ legend in boxing, and also had Monty Betham Senior under his guidance in the 70′s. He is also the owner of the mouthguard Ali wore in the thrid Frazier fight, dual signed by Ali and Dundee. I wonder what that piece of rubber is worth today?
6:57pm
bill karena said | 6:57pm | Report comment
spiro, jones has allways talked alot of crap. he thought tua wouldnt last long with cameron, so much for that. jones well and truely overated as a boxing advocaye
1:54pm
steve b said | 1:54pm | Report comment
I think if S.B.W. can weather the storm in the early rounds his fitness wil be an advantage in the later rounds Tillman has already shown us he has a good straight right but he will have be able to land it and this time i am sure S.B.W.will be paying attention. It will be interesting to see how much further he has advanced as a boxer after all he has had some top trainers. I just hope he dosent get sucked in to brawling as i think this is the way Tillman will want to fight.If S.B. works of his jab and waits for his chances i believe he can come away with a win however i think he is in for a tough night at the office
1:51pm
jack said | 1:51pm | Report comment
i think this is a perfect match-up for sonny bill at this development phase of his boxing career. he is taking on someone who is a real threat, but not deadly. this should be a very good gauge of where he is at and how much potential he has.
i am going to enjoy watching his foot-work and agility in the ring and how he copes under pressure and a barrage- if it comes. if he offers real punching-power then that would just be a pleasant bonus.
1:23pm
Tristan Rayner said | 1:23pm | Report comment
As much I don’t want to be sucked in, I am. I want to see this fight. Tillman is no dummy. Sonny Bill is obviously a tremendous athlete, and even with Tony Mundine and some good sparring partners, he’s only seen 15 rounds in the ring. Tillman will rely on that experience.
2:41pm
The Grafter said | 2:41pm | Report comment
If its real Tristan, Tillam is WAY over the odds on offer