ll Blacks star and part-time boxer Sonny Bill Williams won the vacant New Zealand heavyweight title earlier today with a first-round knockout in Wellington.
The 26-year-old never looked under pressure as he rocked Clarence Tillman with a thundering left hook mid-way through the first round, following up with a flurry of blows before the referee ended the bout just before the bell.
The easy win takes Williams' professional boxing record to five wins, three by knockout, against no losses.
Williams, who has a special clause in his New Zealand Rugby Union contract allowing him to pursue his boxing career, will play for the Waikato Chiefs in this year's Super Rugby competition, beginning later this month.
