Sonny Bill Williams was never going to prove his world title belt credentials by fighting Barry Hall but the Kiwi rugby dual international showed his immense power to obliterate the retired AFL star in Sydney on Wednesday night.
SBW was a one-man thrashing machine in a one-round demolition of Hall inside two minutes, knocking him to the canvas three times before the referee mercifully ended proceedings at the International Convention Centre.
Hall, whose only previous fight was a controversial draw with ex-Cronulla Sharks skipper Paul Gallen in 2019, was out of his depth and looked stunned after the savage onslaught.
(Stan screenshot)
SBW’s last right-hander to Hall’s head was particularly savage, the former AFL forward slumping into the ropes as the referee rushed in.
Hall was gracious in defeat and posed with SBW and his entourage in the ring after the bout but it is unlikely he will step back into the ring again.
“For me, the glory is being able to propel the sport and help youngsters achieve their dreams,” Williams said in the ring after the fight.“
“There’s talk of Gallen, so, maybe Gallen, but at the same time, for me, I’m a well-rounded person.”
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I think they were both heavyweights but that’s a huge disparity
Markus
Roar Rookie
Given the decades (centuries?) of match fixing scandals and the ludicrous nature of securing title challenges through handpicked fights against guys who look like they were found at the local bus station, professional boxing has only itself to blame for the sport's current lack of credibility.
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
So they weren't the same weight class?
piru
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately yes, real boxers are no longer profitable apparently. Instead you get novelty matches like this and the Eddie Hall vs Thor Bjornsson fight earlier this week. It's sad to see
piru
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty sure Mark Geyer knocked Hall out at one point as well
Batca
Roar Rookie
Exactly my thoughts. I’m sure my old high school friend Sam McFarlane also sends his best regards Bazza…
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
A 45yo man with one fight, outweighed by 12kg. Hardly a surprising outcome
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
My wife says resentments can last up to 50 years.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I only saw the highlights video what exactly was Barry Hall doing apart from going down.
DonkeyBrains
Roar Rookie
Fats, if you want to pay go for it. I am not talking about stopping charity FFS. What I am talking about is that if this it what people pay to see in this country it is crazy. You know what would have raised even more money, a great boxing match between great fighters. Terrible fight that should not have happened. This is why I watch the boxing from overseas, much better quality than this kind of farce.
Fats
Roar Rookie
So raising money to help children that come from impoverished backgrounds like Sonny Bill Williams and instilling the belief that they too can achieve on the World stage is a "ridiculous freak match" according to who?, you....I have never seen a more appropriate handle than the the one you choose to use....DonkeyBrains.
KCR
Roar Rookie
Don't feel bad, there's still Tim Tszyu.
DonkeyBrains
Roar Rookie
So this is sad new reality of boxing in this country. If this kind of ridiculous freak match is what people want to see go watch the discovery channel. Next month is a lion vs a guinea pig in the greatest grudge match in history. So sad this is what rates as a boxing match.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Toby Greene v everyone
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Brent Staker was unable to hit Big Bad Barry back as the blow was unsuspecting & cowardly. SBW exacted revenge last night.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Rugby 2 - AFL nil. Meninga flattened AFL tough guy Jacko as well.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I thought before the fight I'd be lucky to get 1.10 on SBW. He'd had 6 pro fights, some against proper fighters. He outweighed him by 12kg. If it was 132 v 120, maybe it doesn't matter but 110 v 98 is significant. He was ten years younger and Hall was 45, so bloody old. This was really a mis-match and the good news is Hall wasn't badly hurt. Stan needs to do better if they really want to promote fights.
WEST
Roar Guru
Hall had that coming! Nice job SBW :thumbup:
David
Guest
Why on earth would you want to pay for that. It was clear Hall knew he was getting paid once the bell range and wanted a quick pay day. Not so tough after all..
piru
Roar Rookie
It's a bit harder when they're facing you isn't it Baz? Staker sends his regards