Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed he could hang up his gloves and follow his opponent Mark Hunt into retirement from boxing.
Williams was competing in his 10th professional boxing clash this weekend in Sydney, where he took on the challenge of UFC legend Hunt, who was considered an underdog going into the event. Despite showing positive glimpses in the fight, Williams succumbed to the former MMA star's aggression and was sent tumbling to the canvas in the fourth round.
The referee called a halt to proceedings after he was victim of another powerful barrage from Hunt, which saw Williams suffer the first defeat of his boxing career. And he has since hinted that the shock loss may be his last outing in the squared circle, claiming that he may look to follow the path of his winning rival.
"At this stage I'm not even sure if I'll fight again. That could be it for me, too," Williams said after the defeat. "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. Whatever is written for me is written for me."
'Money Bill' was looking to score his 10th professional victory as he chased a remarkable rise in the ring after having so much success in rugby union and rugby league, particularly when winning two World Cups with the famous 2011 and 2015 'All Blacks' sides. However, his career progress has been halted after Hunt came out with two huge right hands to shut down his prospects of remaining undefeated.
Williams' rival was quick to announce the decision on his own future following the final bell, when he said: " I'm smiling not because of the win, but I'm smiling because this is the last time I walked into a ring of combat of any sorts. My first thought after was 'S***, I want to do that again!', but no [I won't be back in the ring again]."
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Williams first took to the boxing ring in 2009 and has fought three times since 2021 as he eyed a longer stint in the sport. He was heavily linked with a fight against YouTube star Jake Paul, but that appears to be dead in the water, with the American likely to move on to alternative opponents.
The New Zealander was quick to respond to his rival's announcement and made an emotional post-fight assessment which reflected his disappointment at the outcome. He said: "I would like to say it was an honour to share the ring with Mark Hunt tonight, the Super Samoan. I tried my best but it wasn't good enough. Not too many positives to take from that, but to share the ring with a legend like Mark, it was special. Also to see a lot of Polynesian brothers get a chance on the card was special. Whatever happens, happens."
