The ‘turf war’ boxing bout between Sonny Bill Williams and Barry Hall is on tonight at Sydney’s ICC Exhibition Centre. Join The Roar for live coverage including the build up to the fight from 8:30pm AEDT.
This has been a fight in the making for what seems like an eternity but it’s finally here.
Former rugby and rugby league player Sonny Bill Williams is the more experienced fighter but former AFL star Barry Hall is arguably the more powerful boxer.
SBW is undefeated in eight bouts and has had three knockouts while Barry Hall has only one fight to his name when he went toe-to-toe with Paul Gallen in a six-round fight which was called a draw three years ago.
“He’s come out and branded me arrogant but I just see him, the last few months just shows what type of character he is – very, very arrogant,” Williams said before the fight.
In response, Hall came back at the former rugby hero by saying “That’s fine, I also heard he said he’s not a trash talker and after those comments I agree with him.”
We’ll keep you updated on the end of the undercard including the fight between Anthony Mundine’s son Rahim who takes on Lepani Levatia.
We’re not sure exactly when the main event will start but don’t expect it before 9:30pm AEDT. SBW vs Hall will be eight rounds and we’ll bring you round-by-round updates.
Fight Information
Venue: ICC Exhibition Centre, Sydney
Stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Sonny Bill Williams $1.53, Barry Hall $2.50 – odds via PlayUp
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
Yes like falling asleep after the wedding build up. :happy:
Paul Suttor
Expert
And that's that. You've got to feel sorry for poor old Barry Hall. He was clearly out of his depth and in boxing, there is no room to hide. Sonny Bill Williams needs to take on better opponents if he wants to truly become a boxing champion. A fight with Paul Gallen will be a massive money spinner so it'd be great if that finally happens but assuming he gets through that without a hiccup, he needs to take his talents to bigger stages and more fearsome, experienced opponents. That's it for tonight's coverage. The sweet science was the winner!
Paul Suttor
Expert
Coastyboi
Guest
There was something very Danny Green-esc about tonight. Hall looked very much like poor Briggs in the ring. A gentle feather from a light breeze would blow those men over.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Should have had some of SBW at 1.40
Paul Suttor
Expert
"There's talk of Gallen, so maybe Gallen" said SBW when asked about his next fight. Paul Gallen, start training
Paul Suttor
Expert
SBW: "The glory comes because I'm opening up another avenue for young fighters. Much respect to Barry and his team for coming here and doing this because man it was hella nervous before the fight."
Coastyboi
Guest
A shorter time than my honeymoon night!
JGK
Roar Guru
Sonny Bill v Gallen next?
Paul Suttor
Expert
SBW's entourage are taking pics in the ring now and in a nice touch, they get Hall to come in to pose for the pics. Hall is being gracious after copping such a beating
Paul Suttor
Expert
It's an annihilation, says Green. "Wow, he just showed up."
Paul Suttor
Expert
Sonny's size was the factor, his speed, his accuracy, says Danny Green in commentary
Paul Suttor
Expert
Hall was knocked down three times in the space of two minutes so this was no contest whatsoever. It was a right-hander to the head which ended the fight, with SBW trying to land another clean shot as Hall thudded to the canvas but didn't need to
Paul Suttor
Expert
It's all over, that was brutal
Paul Suttor
Expert
He's down again, gone to the corner, ref is letting him back out there
Paul Suttor
Expert
Hall has been knocked down already by a left hook inside the first minute, he's still going but not looking good for the AFL legend
Paul Suttor
Expert
8 three-minute rounds for these two heavyweights. SBW has Hall on the ropes straight away
Paul Suttor
Expert
It's on.
Phil
Guest
1% of people SWB, so you are saying there are 90 million boxers in the world? I think your grasp on maths is evidence of your head knocks
Paul Suttor
Expert
Hall is the first fighter out, looking calm and composed, SBW then saluting the crowd as he makes his way through the ropes.