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Sonny Bill Williams has scored a unanimous points win over Tongan gospel singer Alipate Liava’a in Auckland in their six-round heavyweight fight. The 25-year-old All Blacks centre dwarfed his much older and slower opponent in the bout which raised funds for the Christchurch earthquake relief.
Liava’a, 43, began promisingly and connected with a right hand to Williams’ face.
But from the middle of round one, it was a case of Liava’a struggling to get close enough to hit Williams, who had a significant height and reach advantage.
While much of the bout was one-sided, Liava’a showed plenty of persistence in trying to land a big shot.
However, in the final seconds of a frantic finish, Williams staggered Liava’a, although he couldn’t put him on the canvas.
Liava’a has lost eighth straight fights after starting his 12-bout career with four wins.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry was ringside with assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.
“It’s good to see him come out unscathed and continue the battle to try to get into the All Blacks,” Henry said.
Williams’ contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union allows him to have three fights, with this being the third.
Henry said “there won’t be a fourth” before the World Cup.
Williams had fellow All Blacks and Crusaders Ben and Owen Franks in his corner.
Unbeaten in four bouts, the centre’s focus returns to the Crusaders’ Super Rugby match against the Blues on Saturday night in Timaru.
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