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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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