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Sonny Bill Williams took care of an ordinary Clarence Tillman III with little fuss last night, but if he wants to go really far in the boxing world, he needs to commit to the sweet science permanently.
It was the contest that wasn’t one. Despite the pre-fight dramas, and the altercation in the ring just before the first round, the Williams-Tillman fight was a bit of a dud. Tillman turned up in poor shape and Williams showed him no mercy, dishing out a first round knockout.
The Waikato Chiefs centre had been bagged about his knockout power before this bout, but Williams showed good power to defeat the bigger and heavier opponent early.
It was quite hard to tell, as the fight lasted less than 180 seconds, but Williams seemed to have developed from his previous bouts. His footwork was good, he was aggressive and his technique had improved somewhat. Williams dictated the fight and dominated Tillman, who was worse than expected.
But just how far he can go in the world of fistic pursuits is hard to estimate at this point. The 26 year old has had just five pro fights, no amateur career, and may or may not fight again this year. At the rate he is going, regardless if he stays in rugby or returns to league, it might take him anything from five to 10 years or more to get a world title shot, and to have developed the ability to win one.
Speaking to Williams before his latest bout, he was noncommittal about his boxing future. “Maybe I’ll fight again this year, I’ll see how we go,” he said. “I’m concentrating on this fight. We’ll assess after this fight.”
Asked if his goal was to one day win a world title, Williams said: “I want to go far as I can in boxing. For me, it’s about improving. This camp has really given me the motivation, it’s lit a fire inside me. If I keep improving…”
Williams revealed that he was never a boxing fan as a kid growing up, but said that he had considered becoming a full-time professional fighter like his mate Anthony Mundine.
“It’s on the cards,” he said. “Maybe. I have to keep improving. It’s a definitely a big chance, but I’m loving what I’m doing at the moment.”
Speaking on Fox Sports News yesterday, Australian boxing journalist Paul Upham said if Williams wants to be a fighter he has to commit full-time to the sport. And I agree.
What else does Williams have to achieve in rugby or in league? Looking at his achievements already, not a lot. He has already picked up an NRL title with the Bulldogs, played for the Kiwi national league team and won a Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks. He doesn’t have a Super Rugby title, granted, and is long odds to claim one with Waikato this year, but he has already had an impact on the competition with the Crusaders.
Realistically he can win more caps with the All Blacks, and perhaps a Super Rugby title, or he could switch back to league and aim for another NRL premiership with the Roosters, or Eels, or whoever. That could be his goal. Or he could make a more exciting and potentially historic decision to commit to boxing.
Boxing would the tougher choice, but it has the potential to be the more amazing one. Conquering three sports would be a phenomenal feat. It’s impossible to know if he can do it right now, but there is only one way to find out.
Doing it at the right time, at the right age, physical state and with the right support behind him, is crucial. He can’t box on the side like he is now, unique athlete though he is, and have a chance of becoming the best in the world.
Even training full-time, there are no guarantees in the sweet science. By taking the plunge, Sonny Bill would find out the hard way if he was ultimately up to it, and it would be an incredible journey to watch.
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