AFL champion Barry Hall apologised to boxing fans after his round one humbling at the hands of a dominant Sonny Bill Williams in Sydney on Wednesday night.
“I’m really disappointed obviously because I put in a lot of work, as he did, but I know all the fans out there will be disappointed,” Hall told reporters after Williams proved younger, stronger and slicker in front of a feverish crowd at Aware Super Theatre.
“I apologise. I apologise to my family because I feel like I’ve let everyone down.”
TURF WAR: Sonny Bill Williams vs Barry Hall, relive the action at stan.com.au/event
Hall, 45, was a junior boxing champion in Victoria and drew with Paul Gallen in his only previous professional fight in 2019.
But, giving away more than 11kg and nine years to Williams, it was a complete mismatch.
“One thing I can compare is I took Gallen’s punches,” Hall said.
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“They certainly don’t have as much sting as Sonny Bill’s. I was a sitting duck tonight.
“I’d like to see them go at it, if I’m perfectly honest. I’d certainly be ringside. Going off tonight… I think I beat Paul Gallen, but you’d have to think Sonny Bill wins.
“He’s put in a lot of work, very dedicated, but styles make fights and both of their styles are totally different. It’d be very interesting but you’d have to say Sonny Bill at this stage.”
Hall took his preparation seriously and wound up Williams with a headbutt at the weigh in on Tuesday.
But things went awry on game day.
“I was quite nervous today, which is rare for me. The Paul Gallen fight I wasn’t nervous at all, so it’s a bit out of character. Maybe just the hype, the build-up, I don’t know what it was. But I just wasn’t myself today…
“I congratulated him and manned up. He was the better man on the night.”
Hall said he was rattled by an early shot to his temple and his legs gave way after that.
“Heavyweights. He hits hard and I got caught. What do you say? I’m going to go home to my beautiful family. I’m really disappointed and I’m not sure where the road leads.”
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