Sonny Bill Williams made quick work of Barry Hall, earning a first round knockout at the ICC in Sydney. It may set up a potential bout against Paul Gallen who was unable to beat Hall
Sonny Bill Williams has shocked the Australian boxing scene with a first round knockout of Barry Hall at the ICC in Sydney. It wasn’t what anyone expected, especially after Hall went to a decision draw with Paul Gallen in his debut professional boxing bout.
The precision from Williams to finish the fight when he hurt Hall gained praise from former world champion turned boxing promoter Danny Green who said “I was just so disappointed I didn’t get to see more of it, I was just loving watching his precision, he put it all on the line”.
It sets up a potential bout with Gallen with the pair going back and forth for years. In a post-fight interview, Williams said “there’s talk of Gallen, so maybe Gallen”.
Without any confirmation, the talk will continue to mount with Gallen in attendance and former rugby league legends were seen talking as Williams exited the ring.
Having trained with Tyson Fury in England in the lead-up to the bout with Hall, it showed the dedication from the New Zealander. He was also joined by good friend and former heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker in training.
While we don’t know what’s next for Williams, it will be an interesting next few months to see if a fight with Gallen is organised and if Stan Sport continues to grow in the Australian boxing scene.