Sonny Bill Williams took just 2 mins 54 secs to stop his opponent in a fight which had boxing fans leap to their feet at Claudelands Arena on Wednesday night.

A left hook set up a bout of punches for Williams to take out the heavyweight title, knocking out Clarence Tillman III with just seconds remaining in the first round. The All Black star is now the holder of the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association's heavyweight title.

Boxing fans filled the venue with their chants of support for Williams as the main event approached, creating an electric atmosphere worth experiencing! The ‘Battle for the Belt’ was the first boxing event to be held at Claudelands and it was a star-studded affair with a number of A-list guests present to catch the action, including Black Caps captain Ross Taylor, League legend Monty Betham, Boxer Shane Cameron and Williams’ newest flame Jamie Ridge, accompanied by her mother, Sally Ridge.

Corporate hospitality was a huge hit and the ‘sold out’ platinum hospitality packages had corporate guests enjoying fine food and beverages ringside - the best seats in the house, close enough to the action to see the blood and sweat dripping off the boxers faces!

The night kicked off at 7pm with a series of under card fights which led up to the main event at 10pm.