Sonny Bill an 'Arm-puncher'
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Boxing historian Sir Bob Jones has slammed Sonny Bill Williams just weeks out from his New Zealand heavyweight title bout saying "he can't box" and should be fighting as an amateur.
Williams is scheduled to fight Clarence Tillman III for the title at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton on February 8.
Since launching his boxing career in 2009, the star All Black has fought, and won, against four much lesser opponents, including 43-year-old gospel singing, sickness beneficiary, Alipate Liava'a, in June last year.
Sir Bob landed a low blow yesterday when he said Williams was not a credible boxer and should not be fighting as a professional, let alone for the heavyweight title.
"I'm afraid as a boxing historian I cannot take SBW seriously," he said.
"He can't box. He's what we call an arm-puncher, but that's hardly surprising given his novice status.
"If he enjoys boxing then that, of course, is his business and he should go for it - but as an amateur."
The former boxing manager, promoter and commentator said Williams strikes him as a person "desperate to get his name in the papers and prepared to do anything".
He also took a swing at Sky TV for promoting and broadcasting the fight "just because mugs pay".
However, Waikato Boxing Association president Rik Ellis said Williams was a credible contender for the title and was taking a step up in fighting Tillman.
"Sonny Bill Williams is probably going to be presented with a little bit more of a task than he had with Tutaki. [Tillman's] a bigger man, he's effectively a very good boxer, so straight answer - more credibility."
He said, despite Williams having only four fights under his belt, he had proven himself to be a capable boxer.
"If you're good enough and you think you can do the job, five fights is fine. At the end of the day it's about who's good enough on that day and I really do think that experience doesn't have much to do with it in this case."
Ellis said Williams, who has been training at his Ringside Gym in Hamilton, was an "absolute athlete" and that his "star power" wouldn't count for much in the ring.
"He has fantastic co-ordination for boxing. He certainly has the mental aptitude for boxing and I think he's going to prove it probably on this night." Fairfax NZ
- © Fairfax NZ News
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As for your comments Bob on SBW being desparate to get his name in the papers anyway possible, why then doesn't he just go & shag another twat in the public toilets at a pub instead of box? Maybe because he enjoys boxing, like you said it's his business & you shouldn't complain, the sport is so rife with corruption scandals & unfair fights you would think the attention he brings to the sport would be appreciated, but no you would rather sit in your rocking chair & hate on the remarkable athlete SBW is. He doesn't get to choose the people he fights, he receives a challenge & either accepts or declines, if he really wants to box of course he will accept any bloke prepared to make some coin by challenging SBW. Until he gets all of these fights out of the way, no one with any fighting credibility will want to go near him. So keep your HATER comments to yourself & stop trying to get your name in the paper desperado!
Personally I don't think SBW would get past Monty Betham let alone Cameron or Tua... he's a showpony! (at best). Bob Jones is spot on... he's an arm puncher, hit and run, looks like a kid in a school ground play fight...
@ Pefa #12 He is already sparing with Joseph Parker. According to this link, JP must be going easy on him huh?? http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/6295070/Sonny-Bill-Williams-meets-his-match-in-Skinner
Bob Jones is just another name in a long list of jealous haters. Small men.
@mrguy #11 What no, can't you remember after a couple of amateur fights they were going on about how SBW is going to be the next Muhammad Ali.
It's probably a good idea for SBW to at least fight and beat the local NZ talent (Cameron and Tua) before making wild claims about being the next Muhhammad Ali.
I think most NZ's believe we have at least 2 good current boxers representing us (Tua and Cameron) and one that we did have in the past Jimmy Thunder.
SBW should fight that Amatuer Joseph Parker. That guy would beat the living daylights outta Sonny.
@ v #6 - that would be a massacre. sbw would go down faster than a $2 hooker.
He should be fighting Shane Cameron instead, SBW (or his promotors?) is going for easy fights to make him look like a hero. C'mon Sonny, fight someone who at least has some skill!
im sorry SBW but fighting the worst two opponents you could possibly find gives you zero credibility. how this is a battle for the heavy weight title makes NZ boxing look like a joke. but i guess if you give NZ boxing a lump of cash they will hand it out to you.
Another day another SBW story. Fairfax have shares in the "brand" obviously.
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Go S B W, 5th fight taking on a big heavyweight with over 30 fights will be a big step up.I wish him well with boxing (NZ champ after fifth fight??)& Rugby. He has plenty of ticker at both sports. Todays low point at the press weighin should make a great 1st round!!Come on Bob your kidding with these comments? The same rubbish Mundine cops.Rik see's this in a better light, tomorrow will tell