Sonny Bill wins in first round

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All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams maintained his unbeaten record in the boxing ring on Wednesday with a first-round victory over Clarence Tillman III in Hamilton.

Williams defeated the former American footballer to claim the vacant New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight title after the referee Lance Revill stepped in to stop the bout with one second left in the first round.

The victory leaves SBW undefeated from five fights and lays to rest doubts about his apparent lack of punching power as he outclassed a boxer 21 kg heavier and far-more experienced than him.

Williams connected with a good left hook to leave his opponent flailing like a windmill before a flurry of blows saw Tillman stumble over with his head hanging out of the ring, prompting referee Revill to stop the fight.

After Tuesday’s much-publicised altercation at the weigh-in, there was more roughhousing before the fight as the opponents banged shoulders and exchanged words.

And the circus continued after the match as Tillman left the arena immediately but Williams’ original opponent Richard Tutaki entered the ring to taunt the rugby star.

Tutaki was ushered out of the ring as All Black loose forward Liam Messam acted as his new Chiefs team-mate’s minder.

Most of the Chiefs team were in the crowd as well as former All Blacks Tana Umaga, Wayne Smith and Frank Bunce.

Williams will return to training with the Chiefs on Monday in the build up to the new Super Rugby season.