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Sonny Bill Williams' stunning call after shock knockout defeat

adam lucius
Contributor
·2-min read
Sonny Bill Williams (pictured) after his boxing fight.
Sonny Bill Williams (pictured) said that could be it for his sporting career after his knockout loss to Mark Hunt. (Getty Images)

And then there were none. Sonny Bill Williams' shock loss to Mark Hunt on Saturday night would appear to end any slim hope we had of seeing the dual international in the ring against Paul Gallen.

Williams heavily hinted at retirement after Hunt's stunning win - and Gallen insists his November 23 fight against old Origin rival Justin Hodges will be his final stoush.

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But nothing is forever in boxing and the whispers of a meeting between the bitter rivals refuses to dissipate.

SBW's defeat may end that talk for good.

"At this stage I’m not even sure if I’ll fight again. That could be it for me," Williams said post-fight.

"We’ll see what unfolds over the next few weeks.

"I’m 37. I’ve always said that if I cop a lot of punishment, that could be it.

"If this is the end of my sporting career, it’s been a good one."

SBW was a heavy favourite going into the fight and looked in control for the opening three rounds.

But Hunt unleashed a series of stunning blows in the fourth, knocking Williams' mouthguard out with the most savage of them.

Williams rallied once but the second hit floored him again to end the fight – and quite possibly the Kiwi's boxing career.

Mark Hunt (pictured) knocks down Sonny Bill Williams.
Mark Hunt (pictured) knocks down Sonny Bill Williams. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

UFC great Mark Hunt retires on top

Hunt admitted he had spent more time on the couch than in training before taking on the Williams fight, dropping 30kgs in short time to get in shape.

The one-time UFC competitor showed great courage, power and ring smarts to win the fight.

Now 48, Hunt will hang the gloves up after claiming a memorable against-the-odds victory.

In commentary, former world champ Danny Green said: "That's the precision of a world class fighter.

"To nail that shot in the moment when you need to … he's just teeing off, not one shot missed."

Williams offered no excuses.

"Mark read my punches, they were obviously a bit too telegraphed," he said.

"He caught me and that was it."

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